
In a move that could become one of the biggest sleeper signings of the offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers have officially signed Eric Dixon to a two-way contract. While not a household name yet, Dixon turned heads across the country last season by leading all of college basketball in scoring while shooting a blazing 41% from beyond the arc. With the Lakers in a transition phase, this under-the-radar pickup could pay major dividends both in the short and long term.
A Scoring Machine in College
Eric Dixon wasnāt just good in college ā he was dominant. Playing his final season with Villanova, Dixon averaged 24.8 points per game, making him the leading scorer in all of Division I basketball. Night after night, he carried his team offensively, facing double-teams, defensive traps, and relentless pressure, yet still found ways to produce efficiently and consistently.
What makes Dixonās scoring prowess even more impressive is how he got his points. He wasnāt just a volume shooter. He hit over 41% from three, shot over 85% from the free-throw line, and displayed a deep bag of offensive moves ā from post work to pull-up jumpers to transition threes. He became known for his clutch shooting and his ability to stretch the floor, a must-have skill in todayās NBA.
What He Brings to the Lakers
The Lakers are in a pivotal moment as they attempt to retool around aging superstar LeBron James and the always-dominant Anthony Davis. After a disappointing playoff exit and a coaching change, L.A. is in search of new energy, younger talent, and low-risk, high-reward signings. Thatās exactly where Dixon fits in.
At 6ā8ā and 255 pounds, Dixon has an NBA-ready frame and isnāt your typical undersized college scorer. Heās strong enough to battle in the paint and skilled enough to float around the perimeter. His shooting touch is elite, and in a Lakers offense that desperately needs spacing, especially when LeBron and AD are on the floor, Dixon could be a plug-and-play option.
Even on a two-way deal, thereās reason to believe he could earn valuable minutes early. With the NBAās recent rule changes allowing more flexibility for two-way players to suit up and contribute, Dixon may get meaningful opportunities ā especially if injuries or rest days come into play.
Proving the Doubters Wrong

Itās no secret that Eric Dixon was overlooked by many NBA scouts during the draft process. Despite his stats and shooting efficiency, questions lingered about his speed, lateral quickness, and ability to defend NBA wings or bigs. But for every perceived weakness, Dixon has consistently responded with production, work ethic, and intelligence.
Heās not flashy. Heās not a projected superstar. But he gets buckets. And in todayās NBA, that matters.
The Lakers clearly see something in him ā and history shows us that two-way contracts can lead to real success stories. Just ask players like Austin Reaves, Alex Caruso, or even Duncan Robinson ā all of whom started as undrafted or under-the-radar players and became key contributors.
A Perfect System Fit?
New Lakers head coach JJ Redick is expected to bring a modern, shooter-friendly offensive system to Los Angeles ā a major departure from the slower, post-heavy sets of recent years. Redick, a former elite shooter himself, knows the value of floor spacing and off-ball movement. Dixon could thrive under that philosophy.
With Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and potentially other young talents on the wing, Dixon adds another weapon in the arsenal. His ability to pick and pop, trail in transition, and hit corner threes makes him an ideal floor spacer. And with ball-dominant players like LeBron and DāAngelo Russell (if he returns), having someone who can catch and shoot without needing the ball in his hands is critical.
From College Star to NBA Role Player?
Thereās always a leap that players must make from college stardom to professional consistency. Dixon dominated at the college level ā now the challenge is to carve out a niche in the NBA. But if history is any indication, hard-nosed, high-IQ scorers with a reliable jumper usually find a way to stick.
The Lakersā two-way contract gives Dixon time to develop ā possibly spending part of the season in the G League, working on defensive schemes and NBA-level conditioning ā while also being available for call-ups when needed. With the Lakers’ recent emphasis on internal player development, this opportunity could turn into a full contract by midseason.
Whatās Next?
Expect to see Dixon suit up in NBA Summer League and make his presence known immediately. Heāll have a chip on his shoulder, trying to prove he belongs, and fans should watch closely. If he lights it up in Las Vegas like he did in college, the Lakers coaching staff will be forced to take notice.
Off the court, Dixon is known as a high-character player with a strong work ethic ā qualities the Lakers front office, led by Rob Pelinka, deeply values. He understands the grind, and he’s ready to put in the work.
Final Thoughts
Eric Dixonās journey is just beginning, and the Lakers mightāve just stumbled onto a hidden gem. Heās a certified scorer, a three-point sniper, and a walking mismatch with the versatility to impact games on multiple levels. While he may have gone undrafted, heās not going unnoticed any longer.
The Los Angeles Lakers are betting on a scorer who plays with heart, smarts, and hunger ā and fans should be excited.
Remember the name. Eric Dixon is coming. And heās ready to make noise in the NBA. šÆš„šš