Lakers tender – After adding AK Okereke and Peter Suder on two-way deals, the Los Angeles Lakers moved to secure a defensive piece of their future by tendering a qualifying offer to Chris Mañon. The decision turns Mañon into a restricted free agent, giving the Lakers the righ
The days after the NBA Draft are usually a sprint—front offices comb the wire for players who can be flipped into opportunity on two-way contracts. This offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers stepped into that scramble by signing AK Okereke and Peter Suder to two-way deals. Then came the quieter, higher-stakes move: the Lakers tendered a qualifying offer to Chris Mañon.
The timing matters. Teams are permitted to carry up to three players on two-way contracts, and the Lakers’ qualifying offer to Mañon signals they’re trying to preserve that final slot while keeping a defensive prospect tied to their plans.
Mañon is now a restricted free agent with the Lakers having the opportunity to match any offer he may receive from rival teams. If the former Cornell and Vanderbilt standout accepts the qualifying offer. he will return to the Lakers’ roster for one more season before entering unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2027.
Mañon’s path to the NBA began as an undrafted player in the 2025 NBA Draft. when he landed with the Lakers on a two-way contract for his rookie season. Over the past year, Los Angeles carried all three of its two-way contract spots. Nick Smith Jr. and Drew Timme saw regular playing time during the season. and Smith had his deal converted to a standard contract for the playoffs.
Mañon’s role. by comparison. was smaller on the surface—he appeared in only nine regular season games for the Lakers. Most of his playing time came through the G League with South Bay. Even with limited NBA minutes, his defensive impact stood out in that environment. He was named to the G League’s All-Defensive First Team and finished second in league Defensive Player of the Year voting.
In 46 games with South Bay, Mañon averaged 11.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.1 steals. His shooting line there was 51.2 percent from the field, 31.5 percent from 3-point range, and 73.7 percent from the free-throw line.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick had spoken often about Mañon’s potential to become an elite defender in the NBA. Now that potential sits on the edge of a decision that could determine whether the Lakers keep him inside their immediate blueprint.
So far this offseason. the Lakers have also agreed to terms on a max contract with Austin Reaves and drafted Cameron Carr. alongside their two-way contract additions. With a qualifying offer on the table for Mañon. the team has made its move clear: defense and roster flexibility. decided in the hours where free agency is about to swing wide open.
By tendering that qualifying offer, the Lakers have ensured they won’t lose control of the next chapter immediately. Whether Mañon is back for another season with Los Angeles before unrestricted free agency in 2027 now depends on whether he accepts—and whether any rival is willing to test the Lakers’ willingness to match.
Los Angeles Lakers Chris Mañon qualifying offer restricted free agent two-way contract AK Okereke Peter Suder JJ Redick NBA free agency Austin Reaves Cameron Carr