The Los Angeles Lakers have signed 22-year-old forward William Kyle III to an Exhibit 10 contract ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season. Kyle, who went undrafted in June, will compete for a roster spot in training camp, with an opportunity to join the South Bay Lakers in the G League. This move comes as the team looks to solidify its training camp roster.
William Kyle III is a 6'9", 230-pound forward coming off his senior season at Syracuse University. He averaged 8.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 2.5 blocks per game across 32 appearances last year. His defensive credentials are impressive. Kyle was named the NCAA Defensive Player of the Year in 2024 during his sophomore season at Dakota State. He also led the ACC in total blocks and blocks per game during his final collegiate campaign.
His physical tools suggest he can impact the NBA defensively right away. But his offensive game needs clear development. Over four college seasons, Kyle attempted only one three-point shot. Expanding his shooting range will be a primary focus for his professional growth.
The Lakers are managing a roster squeeze after a busy offseason. Signing Kyle to a non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 deal is a low-risk move to add competition and defensive depth. He provides a specific skill set the team can evaluate closely. His shot-blocking and rebounding could be useful in certain matchups.
This signing fits the pattern of teams filling out training camp rosters with young players who have clear strengths. Adding a defensive specialist like Kyle could help address consistency issues on that end of the floor. Fans can track the evolving roster on our roster page.
An Exhibit 10 deal is a one-year, minimum salary NBA contract with no guaranteed money. For Kyle, this means he will get a genuine shot to impress the Lakers' coaching staff during the preseason.
There, he can develop his game with a clear path to a future call-up. These contracts are common for undrafted players with standout traits, like Kyle's elite shot-blocking.
Kyle will report to training camp with the goal of turning his Exhibit 10 deal into a standard NBA contract. His immediate task is to prove his college defense translates against NBA-level competition. Coaches will also watch for any signs of offensive improvement, particularly in spacing the floor.
For the Lakers, the signing is one of several final roster decisions before the season tips off. The team's performance against Houston highlights areas where a defensive presence could be beneficial. Kyle's journey is just beginning, and his development will be one to monitor in the coming months.
