The NBA offseason is rolling along as this year's Summer League action continues. The summertime action has given Los Angeles Lakers fans a glimpse at the franchise's up-and-coming players and veterans fighting for roster spots, such as Bronny James, Cole Swider, DJ Steward, and more.
As exciting as it is to watch the future of the NBA, one player has been noticeably absent from L.A.'s Summer League outings. Undrafted rookie forward Eric Dixon hasn't made his summer debut after reportedly signing a two-way contract with the Lakers after the 2025 NBA draft, leaving the fan base concerned about his outlook.
On Friday, Lakers fans received a big update on Dixon; however, it isn't one they'll want to hear.
Lakers UDFA Rookie Eric Dixon to Miss Entire NBA Summer League
Before Friday barely began, The Athletic's Dan Woike reported that "Dixon isn’t playing this summer for the Lakers as he deals with a foot injury." The undrafted rookie is "currently getting opinions on what’s the best move" as Los Angeles attempts to be as cautious as possible with the situation.
Interestingly, Woike also revealed that Dixon has yet to put pen to paper regarding his two-way contract.
For those asking - Villanova big Eric Dixon isn’t playing this summer for the Lakers as he deals with a foot injury. Currently getting opinions on what’s best move. He hasn’t signed his two-way deal with the Lakers yet. People just acting with caution ahead of his rookie season.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 11, 2025
Although Los Angeles has yet to announce the severity of the injury, Lakers Nation's Daniel Starkand reported that Dixon was "wheeling himself on a little scooter and wearing a boot" before Thursday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. Not the best start to the incoming rookie's NBA career, to say the least.
Hopefully, Dixonni heals quickly and will be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season, likely with the Lakers' NBA G League affiliate in South Bay. Although L.A.'s frontcourt was in dire need of help when the offseason began, adding Deandre Ayton while re-signing Jaxson Hayes as the No. 2 center lessens the need for an unproven big man like Dixon.
Having said that, Dixon could be a solid bench asset if his collegiate career is any indication.
The Willow Grove, PA native is coming off a tremendous season at Villanova that saw him average a career-high 23.3 points on .451/.407/.813 splits, as well as 5.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 0.8 steals in 35 outings. Not only did he was he the NCAA basketball scoring champion, but he also earned second-team All-American honors for the first time.
Led by Luka Doncic, the Lakers have done a solid job at accumulating promising young talents, and time will tell if Dixon can get healthy soon enough to be a part of the mix.