After Strong Summer League Performance with Lakers, RJ Davis Earns Exhibit-10 Contract to Continue His NBA Journey in LA

RJ Davis’s basketball journey has always been about maximizing opportunity, overcoming doubts, and consistently proving he belongs at the highest level. The former North Carolina Tar Heel guard has taken another important step in that journey, as he has officially signed an Exhibit-10 contract with the Los Angeles Lakers after impressing in the 2025 NBA Summer League. While this deal doesn’t guarantee him a permanent spot on the Lakers’ final roster, it gives Davis a legitimate chance to prove his worth within the organization and potentially fight his way onto the team or earn a spot with their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.

For Davis, the road to this point has been anything but easy or conventional. Coming out of UNC, he was known for his heart, toughness, and clutch performances in big moments. Despite a productive senior year, Davis went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft. Scouts had questions about his size, at 6-foot even, and whether his game would translate well against NBA-level athleticism. But none of that deterred him. He took the Summer League invite from the Lakers as an opportunity—not just to play basketball, but to showcase his full skill set, mental toughness, and leadership qualities in front of NBA decision-makers.

In Las Vegas, Davis quickly made a name for himself. He wasn’t the flashiest player on the court, but he was often the most composed. Whether running the offense, hitting clutch threes, or making the right reads in transition, he showed an understanding of the game beyond his years. His shooting, in particular, caught the attention of scouts—Davis shot over 45% from beyond the arc during Summer League play, a notable improvement over his college numbers. He also averaged over 14 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds per game, all while maintaining a low turnover rate. He looked the part of a poised floor general who could bring stability and energy to the second unit of an NBA team.

What stood out even more was Davis’s leadership and maturity. Coaches on the Lakers’ Summer League staff repeatedly praised his communication on the floor, his ability to control tempo, and his unselfish play. He made teammates better, a trait that can’t be quantified by stats alone. After one tight win over the Miami Heat’s Summer League squad, assistant coach Dane Johnson told reporters, “RJ is a coach’s dream out there. He listens, he leads, and he competes. He’s the kind of player every team needs.”

That kind of praise turned into a real opportunity when the Lakers offered him the Exhibit-10 contract shortly after Summer League ended. For those unfamiliar, an Exhibit-10 contract is a one-year, minimum-salary NBA deal that includes bonuses if the player is waived and subsequently joins the team’s G League affiliate for at least 60 days. It’s not a guaranteed roster spot, but it’s an entry point into the NBA’s developmental system—and sometimes, it becomes the first stepping stone to a full NBA contract.

For Davis, this contract symbolizes something bigger than just the technicalities of a professional deal. It’s a validation of the work he’s put in and the belief that he has more room to grow. The Lakers, a franchise known for championship pedigree and a deep scouting department, see something in Davis worth investing in. In recent years, they’ve developed several players through the G League and Exhibit-10 route, such as Alex Caruso, who rose from South Bay to become an NBA champion and one of the league’s most respected defenders. That path, though narrow, is real—and Davis now has the chance to walk it.

The Lakers’ current roster construction may also offer Davis some hope. While they have veteran guards and several young players vying for minutes, their backup point guard situation isn’t fully solidified. If Davis continues to show progress during training camp and preseason, he could make a strong case for a two-way contract or even a full-time roster spot should injuries or roster moves create an opening. His ability to stretch the floor, defend with tenacity, and run an offense makes him a valuable depth piece in today’s NBA, especially on a team looking to balance youth and experience.

RJ Davis has always been a student of the game. At North Carolina, he evolved each year, becoming not just a scorer but a complete guard. He developed a reliable jump shot, improved his vision as a passer, and became a better defender, all while shouldering much of the offensive responsibility. His leadership became apparent during the Tar Heels’ deep NCAA Tournament runs, where he often played his best under pressure. That mental toughness is one of the reasons why the Lakers’ front office believes he could thrive in the high-pressure environment of Los Angeles.

From Davis’s perspective, the Exhibit-10 contract is both a reward and a challenge. It recognizes his performance, but it also places the onus on him to continue developing and adjusting to the professional level. Training camp and the preseason will be vital. He’ll be competing for minutes, fighting for a spot, and learning from experienced veterans like D’Angelo Russell and Gabe Vincent. These months will test not only his physical abilities but also his ability to adapt quickly to NBA systems, improve his defensive footwork, and make smart decisions under pressure.

Fans of Davis have already begun rallying around the news of his signing, celebrating it as the next chapter for a player who has given everything to the game. His work ethic, personality, and on-court grit have made him a fan favorite everywhere he’s played, and the Lakers faithful are always looking for the next underdog story to believe in. In a city that embraces stars but also celebrates hard workers, Davis may find a home.

In the broader picture, Davis’s signing is another reminder of how Summer League can serve as a proving ground for overlooked or underrated talent. Every year, players use those few weeks in July to shift their career trajectories, turning what was once uncertainty into tangible opportunity. For RJ Davis, the Exhibit-10 deal is a result of seizing that opportunity with both hands.

As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Davis and how he continues to build off his Summer League momentum. There will be no shortage of competition, but he’s no stranger to battling for his spot. If he continues to work, learn, and grow, there’s every chance this Exhibit-10 contract could be the start of a longer tenure with the Lakers—or at the very least, a springboard into a full-time professional career. The NBA is all about finding and capitalizing on your moment. For RJ Davis, this may just be his.