The Los Angeles Lakers announced three roster moves on Friday, signing guards Meechie Johnson and Chase Ross to training camp deals and waiving forward Anton Watson. This shuffles the team's depth chart just weeks before their first preseason game on October 5 against the Sacramento Kings.
The Lakers added two young guards to their training camp roster. Meechie Johnson, a former college standout, gets a chance to prove himself. Chase Ross, who showed flashes during Summer League play, also earned a contract. His athleticism and defensive potential caught the team's eye.
To make room, the Lakers waived Anton Watson, a player they had signed just the day before. This quick reversal suggests the front office is actively evaluating every option. These are typical camp moves designed to create competition and uncover hidden talent before the regular season begins on October 21.
Reaction on social media was mixed but focused on the new arrivals. One fan noted, "This is the kind of player Chase Ross is. He can defend and he's sneaky athletic." Another simply called Ross a "sleeper" with future potential. The sentiment was generally optimistic about Ross's development path.
The waiver of Anton Watson generated more confusion. One user joked, "They must have realized it was Anton Watson, not Peyton Watson," referencing the more established NBA player. Analyst Anthony F. Irwin quipped, "Anton Watson, we barely knew ye," highlighting the brief nature of his tenure. Other questions centered on contract details and G-League implications.
The Lakers finished the previous NBA season with a strong 53-29 record, securing the fourth playoff spot in the West. Their postseason run included a first-round victory. They beat the Houston Rockets in a series that featured close games, including a 98-78 win on May 2, 2026.
However, their playoff journey ended abruptly in the second round. The Oklahoma City Thunder swept them, halting their championship aspirations.
All attention now turns to training camp and the preseason slate. The first test is October 5 against the Sacramento Kings. These new signings will fight for a spot on the final roster or a place with the South Bay Lakers, the team's G-League affiliate.
The real challenge starts on October 21. That's when the 2026-27 NBA regular season tips off for Los Angeles. They host Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena. Building a cohesive unit before that marquee matchup is the immediate goal. Fans can track the team's preparation and full schedule on our schedule page.
These roster tweaks are about finding the right pieces around the core. The Lakers have a win-now mentality, but they're also scanning the margins for useful contributors. Every practice and preseason minute matters for Johnson and Ross as they try to stick.
