RJ Davis, the celebrated guard from the University of North Carolina, has embarked on the next chapter of his basketball journey by signing an Exhibit 10 contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. This move came swiftly after Davis went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, which concluded on June 26. Despite not hearing his name called during the two rounds and 59 picks of the draft, Davis quickly found a foothold with the Lakers, who are keen to explore his potential at the professional level.
The Exhibit 10 contract is a one-year, minimum salary deal without bonuses, but it comes with an important strategic option for the Lakers. They can convert this agreement into a two-way contract before the regular season begins, allowing Davis to split time between the NBA squad and the South Bay Lakers, the franchise's NBA G League affiliate based in El Segundo, California. This pathway provides Davis an opportunity to compete for a roster spot while gaining valuable experience in the G League.
The Lakers' draft night was active, with the team making only one selection: Arkansas wing forward Adou Thiero, picked 36th overall. To secure Thiero, the Lakers executed two trades, moving up from the 55th pick by first dealing with the Chicago Bulls to acquire the 45th pick, then flipping that to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the 36th. Alongside Davis and Thiero, the Lakers also signed Villanova big man Eric Dixon as an undrafted free agent on a two-way deal, further bolstering their developmental roster.
RJ Davis, who will turn 24 in October, measured 6 feet tall and weighed 180 pounds during the pre-draft process, with a wingspan of 6 feet 4 inches. While considered undersized by NBA standards, particularly in a league that increasingly values length and athleticism, Davis compensates with a high basketball IQ and scoring prowess. At UNC, he was a prolific offensive force, finishing his career as the Tar Heels' second all-time leading scorer with 2,710 points, trailing only Tyler Hansbrough. He also ranks third on the Atlantic Coast Conference’s all-time scoring list behind Hansbrough and Duke’s JJ Redick.
Davis’s collegiate accolades are impressive. He earned the ACC Player of the Year award and was a consensus first-team All-American in the 2023-24 season, during which he averaged a career-best 21.2 points per game on 42.8 percent shooting from the field and nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc. That season, he set the single-game scoring record at UNC’s Smith Center with 42 points in a game against Miami. Over his five-year tenure, Davis never missed a game, appearing in 175 contests — the most in ACC history — and consistently provided scoring, leadership, and durability.
His skill set is centered on scoring. Davis is known for his ability to create space with clever dribbling, change of pace, and a sharp shooting touch. Despite not being a lights-out shooter or a freak athlete, he attacks the paint with relentlessness and uses his savvy to keep defenders off balance. However, questions linger about his defensive capabilities at the NBA level, where his size and explosiveness may be tested against bigger, stronger opponents.
In high school, Davis was a standout at Archbishop Stepinac in White Plains, New York, where he became the all-time leading scorer in Westchester County history with 2,446 points. His high school career was decorated with honors including Gatorade New York State Player of the Year, CHSAA MVP, and BCANY Mr. Basketball in 2020. He also played a key role in leading his team to multiple championships alongside notable teammates.
Following the conclusion of his college career, Davis participated in the NBA G League Elite Camp in May 2025, where he showcased his scoring ability by posting double-digit points in both games he played, including a 13-point, 5-assist performance. Though he did not receive an invitation to the NBA Draft Combine, his efforts at the camp and in 14 pre-draft workouts for various NBA teams demonstrated his commitment to earning a professional opportunity.
Now with the Lakers, Davis will have the chance to prove himself during the upcoming NBA Summer League, set to begin in July 2025. The Lakers will participate in the California Classic from July 5 to 8, hosted by the Golden State Warriors, followed by the main NBA Summer League in Las Vegas from July 10 to 20. This platform will be critical for Davis to showcase his skills and earn a spot on the Lakers’ roster or secure a two-way contract.
Los Angeles Lakers fans and basketball observers alike will be watching closely as Davis navigates this pivotal phase of his career. His journey from a decorated college player to an undrafted free agent fighting for NBA minutes is a familiar but challenging path. With his scoring talent, leadership qualities, and relentless work ethic, Davis embodies the type of player who can carve out a role in the league if given the opportunity.
As the Lakers continue to shape their roster for the 2025-26 season, the signing of RJ Davis adds depth and potential to their backcourt. While questions remain about his defensive fit and ability to adjust to the NBA’s physical demands, his offensive skill set is undeniable. The coming months, especially the Summer League and training camp, will be crucial in determining how far Davis can go in fulfilling his professional aspirations.
RJ Davis’s story is one of perseverance and talent meeting opportunity. Though undrafted, his rapid signing with the Lakers underscores the respect he commands and the belief that he can contribute at the next level. The basketball world now waits to see if Davis can translate his collegiate success into a meaningful NBA career.
