BREAKING: Lakers Sign Filipino Star Center June Mar Fajardo, per League Sources

In a move that is sending shockwaves throughout the basketball world, the Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly signed Filipino basketball icon June Mar Fajardo, according to league sources. The historic signing represents a groundbreaking moment not only for the Lakers and the NBA but also for Southeast Asian basketball, as Fajardo becomes the first Filipino-born player to officially join the Lakers roster and potentially suit up in the world’s most prestigious basketball league.

The signing of Fajardo, a 6-foot-10 center who has dominated the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) for over a decade, signals the Lakers’ willingness to explore unconventional but high-upside options as they continue to reshape their roster. With aging stars like LeBron James nearing the twilight of their careers and Anthony Davis often battling injuries, Los Angeles appears focused on bolstering its frontcourt with size, skill, and international appeal.

Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka has been quietly scouting international talent over the past few months, and sources close to the organization indicate that the Lakers have kept tabs on Fajardo’s development since early 2024. What may have once seemed like a long shot now represents a calculated move to blend experience, diversity, and physical presence in the paint.

“June Mar brings a unique combination of strength, finesse, and leadership,” a team insider told reporters on Monday. “He has carried teams on his back in the Philippines. This is a new chapter not only for him but also for what we envision in the next phase of Lakers basketball.”

To understand the magnitude of this signing, one must appreciate the legacy that June Mar Fajardo has built in Southeast Asia. Nicknamed “The Kraken” due to his size, power, and dominance under the basket, Fajardo is a living legend in the Philippines. He has won **six PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP)** awards—an all-time record—and helped lead the San Miguel Beermen to numerous championships.

Born in Cebu City, Fajardo’s rise to stardom was anything but ordinary. After playing collegiate basketball for the University of Cebu, he was drafted first overall by Petron Blaze (now San Miguel) in 2012. From there, he rewrote the PBA history books. With soft hands, elite footwork, and a humble yet determined demeanor, he became the face of Filipino basketball.

Over the course of his career, Fajardo has averaged 18.9 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game in the PBA. He is widely considered the most dominant big man in Filipino history and has consistently represented the Philippines in international competition, including FIBA World Cup tournaments.

Fajardo’s signing by the Lakers is more than just a basketball move—it is a cultural milestone. The Philippines is a basketball-crazy nation with over 100 million fans, and the NBA has long enjoyed massive support there. Yet, Filipino representation in the NBA has been minimal. While Jordan Clarkson, whose mother is Filipino, has made a name for himself, Fajardo becomes the first *homegrown* Filipino player signed by a franchise as iconic as the Lakers.

Filipino fans flooded social media within minutes of the announcement. The hashtags **#FajardoToLakers** and **#PinoyPride** trended worldwide, with tributes pouring in from former teammates, celebrities, and government officials.

Philippine President Bongbong Marcos even issued a statement congratulating Fajardo on his achievement.

> “June Mar has carried the torch of Filipino basketball for over a decade. Today, he carries the hopes of a nation onto the global stage. We are proud beyond words.”

While Fajardo is entering the later stages of his career at age 35, he remains in peak physical condition and has shown no signs of slowing down. During his latest PBA campaign, he averaged over 20 points and 14 rebounds per game, earning yet another All-Star selection and guiding San Miguel to the semifinals.

What makes Fajardo so effective is not just his physicality but his basketball IQ. He knows how to read double-teams, make the right passes, and time his positioning to win battles under the rim. His screen-setting and interior presence will make him a useful asset for a team like the Lakers, which has struggled with consistent bench production and size behind Anthony Davis.

Fajardo’s passing from the post is another underrated facet of his game. In a league increasingly reliant on spacing and ball movement, his ability to find cutters and shooters could prove valuable—especially with perimeter threats like D’Angelo Russell or Austin Reaves operating around him.

Transitioning to the NBA is no small feat, especially for a player coming from a league like the PBA. The speed, athleticism, and spacing of the NBA game are on another level, and it remains to be seen how Fajardo will adapt.

Questions will naturally arise about his conditioning, defensive mobility, and ability to handle elite-level competition night after night. Yet, given the Lakers are reportedly bringing him in on a veteran minimum or two-way contract, the risk is relatively low. For a team in win-now mode, even a 10–12 minute stretch of solid interior play could swing tight games in their favor.

“Obviously, there’s going to be an adjustment period,” said one Western Conference scout. “But don’t underestimate the value of a seasoned pro with real basketball instincts. Fajardo’s not coming in to be a star—he’s coming in to help win.”

The basketball community had mixed, though largely positive, reactions to the news. Several NBA players, including Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro and Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić, offered brief congratulatory remarks when asked.

Jordan Clarkson, who played alongside Fajardo during the FIBA World Cup, had perhaps the most personal reaction:

> “That’s my guy. I’m proud of him. He deserves this shot.”

Meanwhile, San Miguel Beermen released an official statement thanking Fajardo for his years of service and confirming the mutual agreement to release him from his contract to pursue this opportunity.

“June Mar has given us everything,” the team wrote. “Now, we give him our full support as he takes the next step. Once a Beerman, always a Beerman.”

The Lakers struggled with depth in their frontcourt throughout the 2024–25 NBA season. While Davis continues to play at a high level when healthy, the drop-off in production behind him has been steep. Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood showed flashes, but consistency remained elusive.

Adding Fajardo to the mix gives Head Coach Darvin Ham another look—a low-post anchor who can bring toughness and rebounding to the second unit. He may also be valuable in matchups against traditional big men like Joel Embiid, Jonas Valančiūnas, or Nikola Vučević.

In practices, his presence is expected to push younger players and offer a new level of physical competition. His professional attitude and humility also make him an ideal locker room addition.

Fajardo is expected to join the Lakers for their summer training program and may feature in the NBA Summer League—a rare sight for a player of his age but a strategic move to help him acclimate to the speed of the NBA game. Whether he makes the final 15-man roster or is converted into a full-time NBA player from a two-way deal remains to be seen.

One thing is certain: the basketball world will be watching.

This signing opens doors for future Southeast Asian talents and shines a spotlight on the global reach of the NBA. For the Lakers, it represents a low-risk, high-reward experiment with potential marketing and competitive upsides. For Fajardo, it’s the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance.

And for the Philippines, it’s a moment of national pride.

The Los Angeles Lakers have made headlines countless times over the decades—from signing legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O’Neal to drafting Kobe Bryant and acquiring LeBron James. Adding June Mar Fajardo to that story doesn’t carry the same championship-weighted buzz, but in terms of cultural significance, it’s monumental.

It’s not just a contract. It’s a message: talent, no matter where it comes from, deserves a shot.

As Fajardo prepares to don the purple and gold, millions of fans back home will be watching, cheering, and dreaming—perhaps for the first time—with the belief that they too could one day make it.