A member of the Los Angeles Lakers’ developmental system received league-wide recognition for his defensive performance this season.
South Bay Lakers guard Chris Mañon finished second in voting for the NBA G League Defensive Player of the Year award, the league announced.
Texas Legends center Jamarion Sharp was named the 2025-26 recipient, becoming the first player in franchise history to win the award.
Chris Mañon’s Defensive Impact
Mañon emerged as one of the G League’s most active perimeter defenders throughout the season.
The 24-year-old guard averaged 2.6 stocks per game, including 1.9 steals and 0.7 blocks, while also contributing 10.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists across 33 games, including 26 starts.
His defensive activity was a key part of South Bay’s identity, particularly in disrupting passing lanes and generating transition opportunities.
Raptors 905 guard Alijah Martin finished third in the voting, which was conducted by the league’s head coaches and general managers.
Texas, led by Sharp’s 3.8 blocks per game, also finished with the league’s highest team average in blocks at 7.1 per contest.
Lakers Connection and NBA Experience
Mañon is one of three players on two-way contracts with the Lakers, alongside Drew Timme and Nick Smith Jr., and has spent the majority of the season with South Bay.
The undrafted guard out of Vanderbilt has continued to develop within the organization’s system while balancing time between the G League and NBA.
He has appeared in six games with the Lakers, totaling two points, six rebounds, three steals, two blocks and one assist in 25 minutes.
His early impressions at the NBA level drew praise from Lakers coach JJ Redick.
“I think he has the opportunity to be an elite, on-ball defender. We’ve seen that every day in the gym,” Redick said in October following Mañon’s NBA debut. “He’s developing as a shooter. He’s surprised me with just his decision-making and ball-handling and being able to just play second actions.”
Redick also pointed to Mañon’s development curve, particularly in adapting to expanded offensive responsibilities.
“I asked him very early in the summer, when we had him in the gym for a couple of weeks, did you play any pick and roll in college? He’s like, ‘not a single possession,’” Redick said. “There’s a basketball player there, and we’re going to try to develop that. And part of that development is looking for opportunities for him to play in NBA games.”
South Bay Advances in G League Playoffs
Mañon’s performance has coincided with South Bay’s postseason run.
The South Bay Lakers advanced to the second round of the G League playoffs with a 122-119 win over the San Diego Clippers at UCLA Health Training Center.
The game featured 27 lead changes, highlighting the intensity of the matchup between the two teams.
Mañon scored seven points and grabbed four rebounds in the victory, contributing on both ends of the floor.
He delivered late, scoring the final five points to put South Bay ahead. Beyond his scoring, his defensive efforts helped anchor the Lakers as they held off the Clippers down the stretch.
South Bay also received contributions from multiple players, with its depth playing a key role in securing the win.
Defensive Identity Drives Success
South Bay coach Zach Guthrie pointed to Mañon’s defensive instincts as a defining part of his game.
“Chris did a phenomenal job to close out the game,” Guthrie said, via The Sporting Tribune. “He’s a unique player. He had steal and block percentages in college that were only matched by Matisse Thybulle.”
Mañon’s defensive profile has remained consistent dating back to his college career, where his ability to generate steals and blocks from the guard position stood out.
South Bay now prepares to face the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the second round as it continues its postseason run.
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