JJ Redick just dropped a bomb about Chris Mañon, stating flat out, “We’re invested in him and we’re invested in his development, in his career.” This isn’t just coach-speak, folks. The Lakers are clearly seeing something special in the 24-year-old guard, especially after he balled out against the Sacramento Kings with a 12-point, five-rebound, one-block, one-steal performance on October 5th, one of his three preseason appearances so far.
From Summer League Spark to Lakers Lock-In
The Lakers’ interest in Mañon isn’t some new thing. This goes way back to his 2025 Summer League debut. He was playing for the Golden State Warriors, and in just 19 minutes against the Lakers, he put up eight points, three rebounds, three steals, two blocks, and one assist. That’s a stat line that makes you sit up and take notice! Redick confirmed it, too, saying, “Then he was with Golden State during the California Classic and really popped against us.” It was that moment that had the Lakers jumping. They signed him to a two-way contract for 2025-26, and they doubled down this summer, signing him again for 2026-27. Redick even mentioned they had him in for “maybe two draft workouts” before that, so the interest was already there. This is a guy they’ve been tracking, and now they’re all in on nurturing his talent.
The Steal Machine and His Offensive Punch
What truly makes Mañon a standout? It’s his defensive playmaking, hands down. Redick has been preaching “defensive disruption” big time during training camp and preseason, and Mañon fits that mold perfectly with his knack for occupying passing lanes. Just look at the numbers: he posted a crazy 5.6% steal rate across four years in college. Last season in the G League, that was still a stout 3.8%. He snagged five steals in only 46 NBA minutes a year ago, and he’s already got four steals in 40 preseason minutes this season. That’s consistency across every level! But don’t sleep on his offense, either. This dude is effective inside, shooting 60.5% on 2-pointers in his collegiate career and an impressive 59.6% (155-of-260) in the G League. For the South Bay Lakers last season, he averaged 11.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.1 steals in 46 appearances, alongside his nine games with the big club.
What’s Next for the Developing Talent
So, what does this all mean for Chris Mañon right now? Honestly, it’s doubtful he’ll crack the main Lakers rotation this year. But that doesn’t diminish his importance or potential. The Lakers are clearly “intrigued by” his collection of skills, and as Redick said, they are “invested in him and we’re invested in his development, in his career.” This kid is only 24, and with that kind of backing from the coaching staff and front office, his journey is definitely “worth monitoring wherever he receives the majority of his playing time in 2026-27.” Keep your eyes peeled for Mañon, because this is an investment the Lakers are banking on to pay off big time down the road.
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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