The 2025 NBA Draft wrapped up on Thursday night, June 27, leaving many hopefuls in suspense about their professional futures. One of the most talked-about stories post-draft involves University of North Carolina’s star guard RJ Davis, who, despite not hearing his name called during the draft, quickly found a new path to the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers.
RJ Davis, a 23-year-old, six-foot, 180-pound guard, was widely expected to go undrafted due to concerns about his size and age. However, his collegiate resume is nothing short of impressive. Over five seasons at UNC, Davis cemented himself as one of the program’s all-time greats. He was named ACC Player of the Year, led the conference in scoring, won the Jerry West Award, and was a unanimous First-Team All-American in 2024. His skill set includes elite vision, quickness, and scoring ability, which helped him average 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists across 175 games.
Despite these accolades, NBA teams hesitated, likely due to his physical profile and defensive limitations. But the Lakers saw potential and signed Davis to an Exhibit 10 contract, a one-year, minimum salary deal that allows the team to evaluate him during training camp and potentially convert his contract into a two-way deal or waive him. This contract type is common for undrafted players who show promise but need further development.
According to Billy Reinhardt, a respected NBA reporter, "RJ Davis, former UNC star, has agreed to a contract with the Lakers." This signing gives Davis a platform to prove his worth and fight for a roster spot during Summer League and beyond.
Davis’ journey at North Carolina was marked by consistency and leadership. He holds the school record for most career three-pointers made, is second in all-time points scored, and leads the ACC in the number of games scoring double-digit points. Notably, his senior season (2023-2024) was his best, where he averaged 21.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, earning Consensus All-American honors. His contributions were pivotal in UNC’s deep NCAA Tournament runs, including the memorable 2022 Final Four appearance. That year, the Tar Heels defeated Duke in a historic game that marked the end of Mike Krzyzewski’s legendary coaching career, before falling to Kansas in the national championship.
UNC legend Roy Williams once described Davis as a "tough little nut," a phrase that perfectly encapsulates his tenacity and heart. The University of North Carolina is preparing to retire Davis’ No. 4 jersey at the Dean Smith Center, a testament to his lasting impact on the program.
Joining Davis in the Lakers’ new wave of young talent are several other promising players. The Lakers were particularly active during the draft and immediately after, signing five new players including the 36th overall pick, Adou Thiero, and NCAA’s leading scorer Eric Dixon on a two-way contract.
Adou Thiero, a 6-foot-7 junior forward from Arkansas, was acquired through a series of trades involving the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves. Thiero is known for his defensive versatility, athleticism, and energy. In his junior year, he averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game, shooting an efficient 54.5% from the field.
Eric Dixon, a 6-foot-8, 260-pound forward from Villanova, led the nation in scoring last season with 23.3 points per game and shot 40.7% from three-point range on over seven attempts per game. His size and shooting ability have drawn comparisons to Grant Williams, a player known for his strength and floor spacing. Dixon earned a spot on the AP All-American Third Team, highlighting his potential as a stretch forward in the NBA.
In addition to Davis, the Lakers signed two other undrafted players on Exhibit 10 contracts: Augustas Marčiulionis and Arthur Kaluma. Marčiulionis, a 6-foot-4 point guard from Saint Mary’s, impressed with his poise and passing, averaging 14.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists in his senior year while shooting 44.6% from the field.
Arthur Kaluma, a 6-foot-8 forward, brings versatility and a strong collegiate track record. Over four seasons split between Creighton, Kansas State, and Texas, Kaluma played in 134 games with 131 starts. He averaged 12.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. His junior year at Kansas State was especially productive, putting up 14.4 points and 7 rebounds per game. In his senior season at Texas, he maintained solid numbers, contributing across multiple facets of the game including defense with nearly a steal and block per contest.
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony reported on Kaluma’s signing, emphasizing his potential to compete for a roster spot with the Lakers. Kaluma’s combination of athleticism, rebounding, and defensive upside makes him a valuable asset as the Lakers look to build depth.
The Lakers’ front office demonstrated clear intent to bolster their young core through a mix of draft picks, two-way contracts, and Exhibit 10 deals. This strategy allows them to evaluate talent closely in training camp and the G League, optimizing their roster flexibility.
RJ Davis, in particular, embodies the grit and determination that the Lakers hope to cultivate. His journey from a decorated college career to an undrafted free agent fighting for a spot is a compelling narrative. As Roy Williams aptly put it, Davis is a "tough little nut," and the Lakers are betting on his ability to translate his college success to the professional level.
With the Summer League and training camp on the horizon, all eyes will be on Davis and his new teammates as they compete for minutes and roles in one of the NBA’s most storied franchises. The Lakers’ blend of young talent and veteran presence could set the stage for an exciting season ahead.
While the draft night may not have gone as Davis hoped, his signing with the Lakers is a fresh start and an opportunity to prove the doubters wrong. The phrase "WHY NOT 4" remains a rallying cry for Davis, symbolizing his relentless pursuit of an NBA career.
The Lakers’ additions this offseason signal a commitment to building depth and developing young players who can contribute immediately or grow into future stars. As the 2025-2026 season approaches, the basketball world will be watching to see how these new faces, especially RJ Davis, carve out their place in the league.
