Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka
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Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka during a press conference in June 2024
With G League call-ups increasing across the NBA following the All-Star break, the Los Angeles Lakers could soon face the risk of losing one of their most promising developmental players.
Much of the spotlight surrounding their affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, has focused on Kobe Bufkin this season, leading to him earning a two-year NBA contract.
However, RJ Davis has quietly built a strong case of his own, showing steady growth and emerging as one of the team’s most productive players.
The undrafted rookie has developed into one of the G League’s most dangerous offensive guards, a rise that culminated in his appearance at All-Star Weekend in the G League Next Up tournament.
With NBA teams constantly searching for backcourt depth and the Lakers’ roster currently full, Davis’ continued rise could attract interest from rival franchises in the coming weeks.
Lakers Prospect RJ Davis Emerging as G League Standout
Through 32 G League appearances this season, Davis has averaged 19.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 44.9% from the field and an impressive 41.2% from three-point range.
His efficiency and all-around production have positioned him among the league’s most consistent guards.
Adjusting to the professional level can be challenging for rookies, but Davis has shown steady improvement, with his confidence and production climbing as the season has progressed.
A breakout moment came on January 29, when he recorded his first professional triple-double, finishing with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win over the Salt Lake City Stars.
He followed that performance with a career-high 45-point outing in his next game, knocking down six three-pointers and adding eight assists.
That stretch earned him G League Player of the Week honors and reinforced his emergence as a legitimate offensive threat.
Since mid-January, Davis has scored at least 20 points in nine of his last 12 games, firmly establishing himself as one of the G League’s most productive scorers.
Despite standing just 6-foot, Davis has also made a significant impact beyond scoring. He has recorded seven games with seven or more rebounds and has surpassed eight assists on eight separate occasions, including two performances with 10 assists.
Defensively, he has shown encouraging instincts, recording multiple blocks in four different games, highlighted by a three-block effort against the Santa Cruz Warriors in late November.
Lakers Risk Losing RJ Davis Amid Rising NBA Interest
Despite his impressive production, Davis remains on a standard G League contract, meaning he is not tied exclusively to the Lakers organization outside of South Bay. He remains eligible to sign with any NBA team on a standard contract, two-way deal, or 10-day agreement.
This flexibility makes players like Davis particularly attractive targets, especially as teams reassess their rosters and seek reinforcements following the All-Star break.
The Houston Rockets recently capitalized on a similar opportunity, signing scoring leader Tristen Newton to a two-way contract after he had been playing on a standard G League deal.
More recently, the Golden State Warriors signed Nate Williams away from the Brooklyn Nets’ G League affiliate. The Lakers themselves are familiar with this risk, too.
In 2024, the Memphis Grizzlies signed Scotty Pippen Jr. during his stint in the organization, highlighting how quickly emerging talent can be claimed.
Los Angeles could take steps to prevent a similar outcome. The team has the option to reshuffle its two-way contracts, with Chris Manon potentially emerging as a candidate to be waived in order to create space for Davis.
With his continued rise and growing reputation, Davis appears increasingly ready for an NBA opportunity. Whether that opportunity comes with the Lakers or elsewhere may depend on how quickly Los Angeles moves to secure his future.