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NBA News: Mavericks Sign Former Laker to Two-Way Contract

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Nov 4, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Chuma Okeke (3) drives around Los Angeles Lakers forward Alex Fudge (17) during the second half at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Mavericks have signed former Los Angeles Laker Alex Fudge to a two-way contract, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

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Here’s more information on the athletic wing, and what he brings to the 33-25 Mavericks.

NBA News: Mavericks Sign Former Laker to Two-Way Contract

Background

After splitting his collegiate career at LSU and Florida, Fudge went undrafted in 2023 but was quickly picked up by the Lakers. The 6-foot-8 wing made good first impressions with his athleticism, and had plenty of potential as a raw prospect.

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Though he didn’t gain a ton of on-court experience with the likes of LeBron James and Anthony Davis—logging 14 minutes across four games—he developed well with the G League’s South Bay Lakers, who are currently 12-10 and eighth in the West. In 18 games, Fudge averaged 7.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game. He shot 46% from the field, 25% from three and 50% from the stripe. The majority of his makes and attempts came inside the arc, though 24% of his attempts came from the perimeter.

Fudge’s athleticism was on full display on both ends with South Bay. He led the Lakers in blocks per game while producing highlight-reel-worthy dunks on the offensive end. Fudge notably went for a season-high 16 points against the OKC Blue in early January. He also stuffed the stat sheet on Feb. 22 against the Sioux Falls Skyforce, recording 12 points, nine rebounds, four steals and three blocks. But what may have sold the Mavericks on Fudge was his performance against their affiliate, the Texas Legends, on Saturday. He had nine points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block against his new team.

What Alex Fudge Brings to the Mavericks

Alex Fudge now has another opportunity to develop with a contender, joining an organization with a track record of solid player development. Aside from Luka Doncic, the Mavericks have had several success stories in Josh Green and Maxi Kleber, whom Dallas drafted and developed into quality rotation players. Some Mavs fans may already be familiar with Fudge’s game through a scouting report written by Mavs Draft last year.

Fudge has improved quite a bit since then, making his mark in multiple areas and stepping up to defend multiple positions. He’s given fans several highlight-worthy plays and continues to show a lot of upside. He also boasts a seven-foot wingspan and a 35.5-inch vertical. His versatility will translate well with Dallas, who have no shortage of talented wings and plenty of veterans that Fudge can learn from.

Alex Fudge has remained ready for his opportunities, and has proven he can impact a winning team. There’s no doubt he can get a real shot in a rotation sooner rather than later.

The post NBA News: Mavericks Sign Former Laker to Two-Way Contract appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.