Free agent forward Armel Traore has signed with BAXI Manresa, the Spanish team announced today in a press release.
A 6’9″ forward from France, Traore spent most of this season with the Lakers after going undrafted in 2024. He signed a two-way contract with Los Angeles last July and remained on that deal until earlier this month, when he was waived in order to create a two-way slot for guard Jordan Goodwin.
Traore only logged 67 total minutes across nine NBA appearances for L.A., playing primarily in garbage time. The 22-year-old saw more action at the G League level for the South Bay Lakers, averaging 14.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 27.1 minutes per game across 13 outings, with a shooting line of .507/.339/.679.
BAXI Manresa competes in the ACB Liga in Spain, as well as Europe’s Basketball Champions League. The club is currently in the thick of the Liga ACB playoff race with a 12-8 record and is in the midst of round-of-16 play in the Champions League.
The NBA is a goofy place. Jordan Goodwin did nothing but produce for multiple teams last year. He can not only play multiple positions, but assume a wide variety of roles both on and off the basketball. Why it took this long to get signed, and then to get just a two-way contract is absurd. Good find for the Lakers. Although, he is always gonna have to be wary of LeBron getting some of his minutes squeezed for the Bronny nonsense.
How does a team like Chicago, Utah, New Orleans, Philly, etc ….. Not find this guy?????