Chris Mañon Staying Ready: Lakers Rookie Making Quiet Strides in G League
LOS ANGELES - In a season where the Lakers have leaned on their two-way players to plug gaps and provide energy, Nick Smith Jr. and Drew Timme have already had their moments in the spotlight. They've been with the big club for most of the year, contributing in meaningful ways. But there's one name flying a bit under the radar: rookie guard Chris Mañon.
Mañon, who went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, joined the Lakers on a two-way deal after showing promise during Summer League. An untimely injury kept him out of training camp, but the Lakers had seen enough to keep him around. And while his NBA minutes have been limited, Mañon has been putting in the work with South Bay in the G League - and it’s starting to show.
“I’m just trying to get better every day,” Mañon said after a recent South Bay game. “Obviously I saw a lot to improve on. I’m just working on the little things that I can do, and I’m just trying to stay ready.”
That mindset - humble, focused, and hungry - has defined Mañon’s rookie campaign so far. He got a brief taste of NBA action back in October during a back-to-back stretch against the Kings and Trail Blazers.
The box score didn’t tell the whole story, but the Lakers coaching staff took notice. Head coach JJ Redick praised Mañon’s defensive instincts and even admitted he was surprised by the rookie’s poise as a ball-handler.
That’s been one of the key areas of growth for Mañon in the G League: decision-making. South Bay has had its share of offensive firepower this season, which means Mañon isn’t always the focal point. But when the ball does find him, he’s showing flashes of what he can do.
“We’ve had a lot of good players, so sometimes I don’t get the ball as much,” Mañon said. “But I think when I get the ball and I stay aggressive, I can playmake a little bit.”
Through 23 games with South Bay, Mañon is averaging 13.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.4 steals in just over 29 minutes per game. He’s shooting 48.6% from the field, 29.2% from deep, and 79.3% from the line - solid numbers for a rookie still finding his rhythm. The shooting from beyond the arc is a work in progress, but the defensive activity and rebounding from the guard spot are encouraging signs.
And it’s clear that South Bay is giving him the reps he needs. The G League isn’t just about stats - it’s about development, and Mañon is getting that in spades.
“You see Drew, you see Nick and Kobe [Bufkin], getting up there, they give guys opportunities to shoot and be aggressive,” Mañon said. “You’re in control of yourself, basically. I think Zach [Guthrie] does a good job just letting us play, and trying to get us better.”
That freedom to play through mistakes and grow in real time is crucial for young players like Mañon. He’s not just logging minutes - he’s learning how to run an offense, how to defend without fouling, how to make reads in the pick-and-roll. These are the details that can turn a two-way player into a rotation piece down the line.
The Lakers have already shown they’re willing to give their young guys a shot when the time is right. For now, Mañon is staying patient, putting in the work, and waiting for his number to be called again. And when it is, don’t be surprised if he’s more than ready.