Although he put together a solid body of work during NBA preseason action, it wasn't enough for RJ Davis to make the Los Angeles Lakers' opening day roster.
The Los Angeles Lakers have waived RJ Davis, Augustas Marčiulionis, Anton Watson and Nate Williams.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 18, 2025
The former UNC basketball star was among the final cuts by the Lakers as they trimmed their roster down to the standard roster size. With Davis, the Lakers waived four players, including Augustas Marčiulionis, Anton Watson and Nate Williams.
Davis appeared in five preseason contests, averaging 8.6 points and 1.4 rebounds over 16.1 minutes per-game.
Playing on an Exhibit-10 contract, it wasn't a guarantee that Davis would make the Lakers roster. In most cases, Exhibit-10 players spend training camp with an NBA squad, get waived/released when roster trimming occurs and eventually get signed to play for that team's G-League affiliate.
Based on how he performed in the preseason, don't be surprised if Davis sticks with the Lakers organization to compete in the G-League this season. It would be nice if the Lakers didn't have a player on their bench that was only there because of his dad, which would clear up a roster space for someone who is actually deserving of it.
While Tar Heel fans hoped that he would make the NBA roster, it's just another step in the process for the former UNC basketball star. Davis is used to being doubted throughout his basketball career due to his size, but he has always prevailed, as we expect the same for him as he looks to build a lot, successful professional basketball career.