Chris Manon, the Vanderbilt product, just dropped into the summer league scene after a G-League season where he was named First Team All-Defense and runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year. He’s the *only* player from the newly named Coachella Valley Lakers developmental squad to clock NBA minutes out of that group and get league-wide recognition. Let me tell you, what he showed in summer games was exactly what was advertised. This guy might just be the answer for a Lakers team currently void of defensive perimeter talent.
From G-League Standout to Summer League Star
Manon absolutely dominated the G-League, averaging 11.6 points, six rebounds, 2.1 steals, and a block per game over 46 contests. Think about that: he led his team in steals by a mile, and those six rebounds were the most for any non-center on the roster. That kind of two-way hustle is rare! It’s clear his stock was rising fast, and he picked up right where he left off in Sacramento. When you watch him play, it’s nonstop aggression, no matter the time or score.
A Defensive Menace Who Sees the Play Before It Happens
At 6’4” with a crazy 6’9” wingspan, Manon knows how to leverage his size with quick hands. He’s tenacious, constantly attacking ball handlers in their space. You see it right from the opening tip; he’s hounding recent fifth overall pick Keaton Wagler, a poke frees the ball, another swipe, and it’s a foot race. The man is like a shark in the water, he smells blood. Off-ball, he’s just as dangerous. His length combined with impeccable timing and instincts allows him to blow up switches and coverages by jumping the ball handler. He just sniffs out transition opportunities or lobs, using quick jumps to time those hit-ahead passes. Manon can lull offensive players to sleep before hitting them with a cat-like pounce. We saw him sitting in a semi-ball denial, reading that two offensive players weren’t on the same page, then he picks the dribble handoff clean for a bucket on the other end. That’s next-level awareness! He even snagged seven steals in Vegas, second only to fellow defensive standout Adou Thiero’s ten. And as a guard, his block rate is something else! He has this incredible feel for when to leave his man and time a rejection before the offensive player even knows he’s there. He’ll make his way from the top of the key, spring up with two hands, engulf the offensive player, and cleanly take the basketball while keeping it in play. He had three blocks in that contest alone!
This guy is a legit defensive weapon. The Lakers desperately need perimeter defense, and Manon is proving he can provide it. He’s not just a G-League guy; he’s got the potential to be a seriously useful player on the main squad, bringing that much-needed energy and defensive lockdown ability. Keep your eyes on him, because Manon could be making some noise.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Silver Screen and Roll.
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