Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka
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The Los Angeles Lakers have endured a turbulent campaign, though recent results suggest momentum may be shifting.
The team has won three straight games and five of its last eight overall, recovering well after a brief three-game skid.
That stretch has helped Los Angeles climb to 37-24 on the season, placing the Lakers sixth in a tightly packed Western Conference playoff race.
At the same time, the organization has continued leaning on its G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, to develop young talent and maintain roster depth.
One of those developmental pieces, however, has now made a surprising exit.
Lakers G League Guard Departs for Overseas Opportunity
On Wednesday, the South Bay Lakers confirmed that guard Augustas Marciulionis has left the team via a buyout to pursue a professional opportunity overseas.
According to BasketNews, the 23-year-old is returning to Lithuania to join his hometown club, Rytas Vilnius.
Marciulionis, the son of Hall of Famer Sarunas Marciulionis, appeared in 29 G League games this season, averaging 7.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists while shooting an efficient 48.5% from the field and 45.3% from three-point range.
His most notable outing came in mid-January, when he scored a season-high 24 points on 11-of-17 shooting, including two three-pointers, while adding five assists and two steals against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
As the season progressed, however, his role became more limited.
The Lakers began assigning two-way guards Nick Smith Jr. and Chris Manon to South Bay, while NBA rookie Bronny James also received regular G League minutes in a crowded guard rotation that ultimately influenced Marciulionis’ decision.
“I was hoping for a change a bit earlier, but I still held onto the possibility,” Marciulionis said on the 1-ON-1 show, via BasketNews. “We had Kobe Bufkin, a former 15th draft pick, who later got called up by the Lakers to the main team. We had a lot of guards, and I came off the bench.”
“I waited for the chance to play regularly in the starting five and show what I could do. I had a few good games, but it wasn’t enough to get serious interest from them.”
South Bay Maintain Depth Despite Departure
Marciulionis’ exit marks the second midseason buyout from the South Bay roster. Last month, center Kylor Kelley also left the organization to pursue an opportunity in the Philippines.
Shortly after Kelley’s departure, the Lakers added former top prospect Malik Williams from the College Park Skyhawks in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick (originally from Rip City via Rio Grande Valley and Osceola) and a 2027 first-round pick.
It appears unlikely that South Bay will seek an immediate replacement for Marciulionis, largely due to the team’s significant guard depth.
Nick Smith Jr. continues to headline the backcourt and recently scored 28 points in Wednesday’s win over the Oklahoma City Blue. RJ Davis has also been one of the team’s most consistent performers throughout the season.
With Chris Manon and Bronny James making periodic appearances, and additional options such as Tevian Jones, Tyrese Hunter, and Ethan Taylor available, South Bay remains well stocked at the position.
Despite the roster changes, the team’s form has remained strong. South Bay has won seven consecutive games, surging near the top of the Western Conference standings.
At 17-8, the Lakers currently hold the third seed, tied with Rio Grande Valley and just half a game behind the first-place Mexico City Capitanes.
With a deep roster and strong momentum, South Bay appears well positioned to make a serious push as the G League season continues.
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