The Los Angeles Lakers have officially re-signed forward Alex Fudge, bringing back the versatile player after a year that saw him spend time with both the Lakers and Dallas Mavericks. Fudge, 20, is looking to build on the valuable experience he gained during his rookie season, which included stints in the NBA as well as the G League.
Fudge’s rookie season saw him play limited minutes in the NBA, appearing in six games and averaging 2.5 points per contest while shooting 40% from the field and 20% from beyond the arc.
He spent the early part of the season with the Lakers before finishing with the Mavericks. Despite the limited game time, his exposure to teams competing at high levels—including the in-season tournament championship and NBA Finals with Dallas—proved invaluable.
As ESPN’s Dave McMenamin noted, “Alex Fudge returns to LAL. While his role was limited, he experienced being on teams that went to the in-season tournament championship and NBA Finals as a rookie.”
While Fudge’s NBA playing time was sparse, his performance in the G League showed his potential. In 27 games, Fudge averaged 7.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, while shooting an efficient 47.8% from the field. However, his perimeter game remains a work in progress, with his three-point shooting percentage at 21.4%.
Fudge’s time in the G League allowed him to develop his skills in a competitive environment, particularly his defensive abilities, where his 1.3 blocks per game highlighted his shot-blocking and rim-protecting potential. The Lakers likely see room for growth in Fudge, especially as a defensive asset with his length and athleticism.
For the Lakers, Fudge’s re-signing adds depth to their frontcourt as they continue to fine-tune their roster for the upcoming season. After finishing last season as the seventh seed in the Western Conference with a 47-35 record, the Lakers are looking to make another playoff push.
Last season, they reached the playoffs but were eliminated in the first round by the eventual champions, the Denver Nuggets, in five games.
Fudge could provide valuable support off the bench, especially as a player who has demonstrated flashes of potential in defense and finishing at the rim. His time learning from veterans in both Los Angeles and Dallas will also help him adjust to the Lakers’ system, especially with the team looking for energetic, versatile players to complement their stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Rejoining the Lakers presents Fudge with an opportunity to carve out a more defined role within the team, especially given his familiarity with the organization. Head coach Darvin Ham and his staff will likely monitor Fudge’s progress closely, focusing on how he can contribute to the team’s overall defensive efforts and improve his outside shooting.
With the Lakers continuing to assemble a roster aimed at contending in a competitive Western Conference, Fudge has the chance to make a meaningful impact. His ability to develop into a more complete player, particularly by refining his shooting and offensive versatility, will be critical in determining how much he can contribute in his second NBA season.
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