Who Is Tevian Jones? Lakers Add Undrafted Guard to Boost Roster Ahead of Training Camp

Tevian Jones is officially a Laker. The 25-year-old guard, undrafted but hard to ignore, has impressed in the G League with scoring bursts and defensive instincts at the wing spot. With training camp around the corner, Jones could turn from an under-the-radar talent into a player fans can’t stop talking about. But who is Jones really? And how did we get here?

Who is Tevian Jones?

Tevian Jones is a 25-year-old guard from Chandler, Arizona, listed at about 6’6 and 220 pounds. He came into college ball as a mid-major prospect, spent time at Illinois, and finished his five-year collegiate career at Southern Utah, where he broke out as a go-to scorer. In his final season with the Thunderbirds, he averaged 17.8 points per game on 36.2% shooting and earned All‑WAC First Team honors.

Though Jones’ path to the pros didn’t follow the clean, one-and-done route. He played high school ball in the Culver City/Chandler area and developed steadily in college. Public records on his immediate family are unavailable, for now anyway, as Jones keeps his private life quiet, which is typical for a player grinding through the lower rungs of the pro system.

Tevian Jones’ pro career and G League brilliance

Despite his talent, Jones went undrafted in 2023 after five collegiate seasons, two at Illinois and three at Southern Utah. But he didn’t let that setback slow him down. He signed briefly with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2023 and was waived during camp, making him the now-familiar undrafted swing. From there, he landed in the G League, where the production strengthened into a clear pro profile.

Jones’ senior year stats at Southern Utah were impressive with 17.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 36.2% from three-point range. Transitioning to the G League, he averaged 15.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals with the Grand Rapids Gold last season, showing consistency and growth. 

Over two G League seasons, spanning 98 games, he averaged 11 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists, illustrating a reliable all-around game. His brief stint with the Pelicans in 2023 ended quickly, but it didn’t derail his path, but rather added another layer of flexibility to his story. So, how did Travis Jones end up becoming a Laker?

Why did the Lakers sign Tevian Jones?

The short answer is because of matchup depth and upside. The Lakers waived Jarron Cumberland to open a roster slot and signed Jones to take his place on the training-camp roster. And the reported deal is almost certainly an Exhibit 10, a common short-term contract that brings players into camp and funnels them to the G League affiliate if they’re waived.

Jones was previously signed and waived by the Pelicans in 2023. If he’s waived prior to the start of the season, he will be eligible to join the South Bay Lakers and could earn a bonus of up to $83,500 if he stays with the team for 60 days or more. Cumberland and Kaluma are eligible for the same deal. That structure protects the Lakers’ investment while giving Jones a somewhat clear path to South Bay and a chance at a two-way conversion.

For the Lakers, Jones represents a low-cost, high-upside addition. He adds wing size and shot creation to a camp group that will be measured against the roster’s veteran core. If he clears waivers and reports to the South Bay Lakers, he could earn a development bonus for sticking with the affiliate and earn his way onto the team’s radar for a mid-season call-up. But the reality check here is that Exhibit 10 signings are a long list of hopefuls.

What’s next for Tevian Jones and the challenges ahead

The margin for error stays put at little to none. Jones must show consistent shooting, quick decision-making, and the defensive discipline coaches demand at the NBA level. He’ll be judged in practice, in preseason minutes, and in scrimmages. Consistency matters more than the occasional 30-point outing.

If he earns a two-way deal, Jones could split time between South Bay and the Lakers, which is a fast track for players who show both polish and potential. If he doesn’t, the G League remains a viable proving ground as many players convert camp invites into summer-league invitations, then into two-ways and full contracts.

For Jones personally, the next few weeks are pivotal. Training camp offers exposure to NBA coaching, game plans, and veteran mentorship. For the Lakers, he’s a small bet on developmental upside and roster depth. For fans, he’s a player to watch as not a headline signing today, but possibly a useful piece tomorrow. 

Training camp will be the proving ground, and every minute on the court will tell the story if Jones can turn potential into impact. For now, the Lakers and their fans will be watching closely, and hopefully, Tevian Jones will become a name worth remembering this season.

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