Lakers Add Decorated International Standout Following Roster Shakeup

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed 25-year-old forward Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones to an Exhibit-10 contract following a series of quick roster moves. Los Angeles initially waived Cole Swider to sign guard Jahmir Young before waiving Young hours later to clear space for Tait-Jones. The transactions are aimed at building the roster for their G League affiliate, the Coachella Valley Lakers, ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Tait-Jones, who went undrafted in 2025, previously played college basketball for Hawaii-Hilo and UC San Diego before playing professionally in Latvia with Valmiera Glass VIA. If Swider, Young, and Tait-Jones remain with the Coachella Valley affiliate for at least 60 days, they each qualify for an Exhibit 10 bonus worth up to $91,000.