As things stand, the Los Angeles Lakers have all three of their two-way spots for 2026-27 accounted for. After separate reports and statements regarding each individual, the Lakers officially announced all three deals to the public.
Los Angeles shared that Chris Manon, AK Okereke, and Peter Suder are the three players with whom the team is currently moving forward as the three two-way spots on their roster. That gives fans important insight as to which of the young guys are being prioritized in these early stages.
There can still be substantial change in this department as the Lakers move forward through the summer. Having a two-way deal now by no means guarantees that still being the case on opening night. However, to some capacity, these players can be viewed as the initial standouts.
Each of Manon, Okereke, and Suder have a different skill set to offer the Lakers that would create curiosity about their development to secure them early opportunities at these two-way deals. They will need to reaffirm that intrigue moving forward.
Chris Manon's defensive disruptiveness is hard for the Lakers to ignore
Manon has been in the Lakers system for some time now. If anyone was going to have their two-way spot locked up with a solid degree of comfort among these three, it would certainly be him.
The selling point of Manon as a developmental talent has always been his defense. Seeing his offense come along is what the Lakers would need to truly feel comfortable about elevating him to the main roster in the future.
Manon had an impressive showing in the team's most recent California Classic contest against the Miami Heat. During a tight 93-91 win for the Lakers, the active defensive guard finished with 12 points, shooting 4-of-5 from the field, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals off the bench.
The expectation will be for Manon to continue his case for more opportunities within the Lakers organization.
Peter Suder could struggle to keep his two-way contract with Lakers
Two games of play in the California Classic have not been overly kind to Suder. After a strong four-year career at the NCAA level, the 22-year-old has struggled in summer league play thus far.
There are fair questions to be asked regarding whether Suder has the athleticism to keep up at the NBA level. These stem from underwhelming contests against summer league competition, too. The players at the top level of this league will offer an even more sizable gap for him to close.
Suder has only shot 3-of-15 from the field and 1-of-8 from beyond the arc in his first two contests with the Lakers thus far. Those struggles continuing would send a tough message about his ability to hold up.
AK Okereke offers an intriguing project for the Lakers
The Lakers have a need for more bodies on the wings. Okereke has an NBA-ready build, promising defense, and unique offensive gifts. It is understandable why the Lakers would want to roll the dice on him.
Okereke has been a modest contributor through the first two summer league games. Continuing to monitor his output should give more signs as to whether the Lakers have just cause to keep him on a two-way.
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