{"id":760198,"date":"2026-06-25T21:56:21","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T21:56:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/760198\/"},"modified":"2026-06-25T21:56:21","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T21:56:21","slug":"los-angeles-lakers-sign-elite-rim-protector-after-nba-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/760198\/","title":{"rendered":"Los Angeles Lakers Sign Elite Rim Protector After NBA Draft"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 12: President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks to the media during a press conference at UCLA Health Training Center on May 12, 2026 in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

On Wednesday night, a lot of undrafted players agreed to deals with NBA<\/a> teams.<\/p>\n

According to ESPN\u2019s Dave McMenamin, the Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> are signing a former Syracuse center to an Exhibit 10 deal.<\/p>\n

McMenamin wrote:<\/a> \u201cFormer Syracuse center William Kyle III is signing with the Lakers on an Exhibit 10 deal, sources told ESPN. The 6-9, 230-pound big man averaged 8.4 points on 66.1% with 7.1 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game in his senior season with the Orange\u201d<\/p>\n

Former Syracuse center William Kyle III is signing with the Lakers on an Exhibit 10 deal, sources told ESPN. The 6-9, 230-pound big man averaged 8.4 points on 66.1% with 7.1 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game in his senior season with the Orange<\/p>\n

The Lakers are in need of depth at the center position.<\/p>\n

Therefore, Kyle is an intriguing addition to the preseason roster.<\/p>\n

In addition to Syracuse, the 22-year-old also had stops with South Dakota State and UCLA over four college basketball seasons.<\/p>\n

He had two games<\/a> with 6+ blocks this past year.<\/p>\n

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GettyWilliam Kyle III #42 of the Syracuse Orange shoots a foul shot against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second half of their game during the Players Era Championship basketball tournament at MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 25, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.<\/p>\n

Social Media Reacts To Signing<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what people were saying about the signing:<\/p>\n

@LakersNation:<\/a> \u201cThis is a fun one.\u201d<\/p>\n

@OverloadedGFX:<\/a> \u201cPELINKA YOUVE MADE IT UP TO ME\u201d<\/p>\n

@_eldrinm:<\/a> \u201cLakers may have the most athletic summer league roster \ud83d\ude02 With Thiero, Carr, Kyle III, Okereke, and maybe Ma\u00f1on.\u201d<\/p>\n

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GettyWilliam Kyle III #42 of the Syracuse Orange runs out to the court before the game against the Kansas Jayhawks during the Players Era Championship basketball tournament at MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 25, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.<\/p>\n

@LakersLegacyPod:<\/a> \u201cWilliam Kyle III | Exhibit 10 The Lakers just stacked upon their Athleticism Meet the Adou Thiero\u2019s of Wenyen Gabriel\u2019s. An Explosive, Aerial Shot Blocking Demon last season. Would not be surprised if he ends up on a 2-Way Deal by end of Summer League.\u201d<\/p>\n

@JayhzLAL<\/a>: \u201cLakers just signed this 6\u20199 Center \u201cWilliam Kyle III\u201d \ud83d\ude33\ud83d\udd25 Comps: Elite Rim Protector Rim Running Lob-Threat Defensive Versatility Stats: 8.4 PTS, 7.1 REB, 1.0 STL, 2.5 BLKS and 66.1% percent FG\u201d<\/p>\n

Benjamin Royer:<\/a> \u201cWilliam Kyle III played one season for Mick Cronin at UCLA \u2014 between his years at South Dakota State and Syracuse.\u201d<\/p>\n

@nyarlathHunters:<\/a> \u201cAt least we got very athletic in this draft, now to hope that we can develop them and see if we got some diamonds\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking At The Lakers\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

GettyHead coach JJ Redick<\/a> of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks to the media during a press conference at UCLA Health Training Center on May 12, 2026 in El Segundo, California.<\/p>\n

For a high-profile team like the Lakers, they have done an excellent job of developing talent from within.<\/p>\n

They are coming off a season where they lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a> in the second round of the 2026 NBA playoffs.<\/p>\n

The franchise last won a title in 2020.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBen Stinar<\/a> Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.\u00a0
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\nHe has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

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