
In a thrilling move for Lakers fans and college basketball loyalists alike, the Los Angeles Lakers are signing RJ Davis, the sharpshooting guard out of North Carolina, to a 2-way contract for the upcoming NBA season. The announcement, first reported by @BillyReinhardt, marks a significant step for the 6’0″ Davis, whose stellar senior season at UNC helped solidify his status as one of college basketball’s most dangerous perimeter threats.
While the Lakers have historically leaned on big-name signings and superstars, this deal reflects the growing importance of developing perimeter depth, especially in the modern NBA, where shooting and spacing are king. Davis, known for his relentless motor, deep shooting range, and toughness, may have gone undraftedābut his game, attitude, and leadership scream NBA-ready.
From Tar Heel Blue to Lakers Gold
RJ Davisās career at North Carolina was nothing short of exceptional. A four-year player, he evolved into the heartbeat of the Tar Heels, leading the team in scoring, assists, and clutch moments during his final two seasons. In his senior campaign, Davis averaged 21.2 points, 3.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game, while shooting an impressive 41.5% from three-point range on high volume.
But beyond the numbers, Davis was a leaderāa captain who embodied grit, composure, and effort. He played through injuries, carried the scoring load when needed, and always seemed to hit the big shot when it mattered most. Tar Heel fans know him as a warrior, and now Lakers fans may get to know him as a weapon in their backcourt arsenal.
Why the Lakers Made This Move

The Lakersā front office has made it a priority this offseason to retool their bench with shooting, youth, and versatility. While their core still revolves around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the team has struggled at times to surround them with consistent floor spacers. RJ Davis brings just thatāa quick trigger, deep range, and confidence under pressure.
The 2-way contract gives Davis the flexibility to split time between the Lakers and their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. Itās a low-risk, high-upside move that gives L.A. a chance to develop another sniper while preserving roster flexibility. For Davis, itās a golden opportunity to prove he belongs on an NBA floor.
Rob Pelinka, the Lakers GM, expressed optimism in a brief statement following the announcement:
āRJ is a high-character young man with a proven track record of performing in big games. His ability to stretch the floor and play with toughness fits exactly what weāre looking for in our developmental pipeline.ā
A Perfect Fit in a Spacing-Centered League
In todayās NBA, shooting is one of the most bankable skills for staying on the floor. Players who can shoot off the catch, move without the ball, and play within an offensive scheme are always in demandāespecially on teams with elite playmakers like LeBron.
RJ Davis fits that mold. His off-ball movement, confidence from deep, and quick release make him a threat every time heās on the perimeter. At UNC, he often played both on and off the ball, showing versatility that should help him adapt to different roles in L.A.
His defense, while occasionally questioned due to his size, improved dramatically over his college career. Davis routinely guarded opposing lead guards and showed a willingness to fight through screens and stay disciplined in team defense schemes.
From March Madness to the NBA Grind
Itās worth remembering that Davis shined brightest on the biggest stages. From deep ACC Tournament runs to high-pressure March Madness moments, heās never shied away from the spotlight. That matters in Los Angeles, where media pressure and fan expectations can overwhelm young players.
Having played at one of college basketballās most storied programs, Davis already understands what it means to wear a jersey with legacy attached. Now, heāll try to carry that experience into the purple and goldāanother franchise where greatness is expected.
What the Future Holds
For now, Davisās path to a full NBA roster spot will run through Summer League and G League action. But if he can prove himself with consistent shooting, smart decision-making, and solid defense, he could force the Lakersā hand and earn a standard contract.
There are plenty of success stories in recent years of 2-way players blossoming into key contributors. From Austin Reaves (also with the Lakers) to Max Strus and Duncan Robinson, the road from undrafted to impactful is well-pavedābut it requires discipline, hunger, and confidence.
Given everything weāve seen from Davis, especially his senior-year leadership and scoring explosions, thereās good reason to believe he could be the next name to watch in that category.
Final Thoughts
The Lakersā signing of RJ Davis may not dominate ESPNās breaking news cycle, but it represents the kind of smart, future-focused move that championship teams make. Davis is a winner, a worker, and above allāa shooter. And in the ever-evolving NBA, that combination is more valuable than ever.
Heās not just another name out of college. Heās a proven leader, a floor-spacer, and now, a Laker. The city of Los Angeles might just fall in love with RJ Davis the same way Chapel Hill did.
Get ready. Another Tar Heel is headed to the big stage. šÆš„