Former Gators PF Alex Fudge Signs Two-Way Contract with Los Angeles Lakers
Alex Fudge’s gamble to declare for the NBA Draft after the 2022-23 season with the Gators is paying off.
On Wednesday, the former Florida forward inked a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers after signing an Exhibit-10 deal for the summer. Fudge joins former UF center Colin Castleton as members of the Lakers organization under two-way deals vying for roster spots in the South Bay Lakers upcoming campaign.
Transferring from LSU following the 2021-22 season — amid mass turnover in the Tigers program after the release of Will Wade as head coach — Fudge was expected to provide a significant spark as an uber-athletic and high-motor pieces from the out spot in Todd Golden’s first year at the helm.
While he started the out-of-conference schedule on the bench, Fudge flashed the potential to do just that for Florida. He reached his peak in the early SEC slate, performing as a high-upside defender and rebounder with explosiveness around the rim for Florida.
However, in Starkville (Miss.) against Mississippi State, he suffered a concussion that would hold him out of the ensuing contest.
It derailed the momentum he previously gained for himself after bursting into the starting lineup eight games into the year.
He never found his groove.
Fudge finished his Florida career averaging 4.6 points on 40.5% from the field, 3.9 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per game in 32 appearances.
Despite the late-season woes, Fudge ultimately elected to test in luck of the professional waters at the conclusion of his sophomore year. Banking on his rare athletic ability and desirable intangibles to earn him a foot in the door for an undrafted free agent deal, the Jacksonville, Fla., native shined as a prospect with the capability to impact the game in more ways than scoring during his pre-draft preparation.
His showing in the NBA G League Elite Camp notably sent a resounding statement to league brass.
His skillset as a defender and ferocity on the boards helped him seal the aforementioned Exhibit-10 contract with the Lakers soon after the 2023 selection process ended.
Fudge, following impressive showings in the summer league, earned elevation to a two-way contract, taking another step toward a solidified roster spots with the team’s G League affiliate.
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