23-Year-Old Forward Vincent Valerio-Bodon Waived Less Than 24 Hours After Signing – What’s Next for the Promising Hungarian? – cgnews24 News
Vincent Valerio-Bodon: In an offseason that has been relatively quiet for the Los Angeles Lakers, one move has sparked curiosity: the waiving of 23-year-old Hungarian forward Vincent Valerio-Bodon less than 24 hours after signing him to an Exhibit 10 contract. While this may sound unusual, it’s a common strategy in the NBA, particularly for teams filling out their G-League rosters. So, what’s the deal with Valerio-Bodon? Let’s break it down.
Who Is Vincent Valerio-Bodon?
Vincent Valerio-Bodon is a 6’9″ forward from Hungary, born on May 2, 2001, in Sopron. Before catching the Lakers’ eye, he played for Sopron KC in the Hungarian NBIA during the 2022-23 season, where he averaged 8.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. Valerio-Bodon is known for his impressive shooting from deep, hitting 41.2% of his three-point attempts during that season.
His talent first became evident during the 2023 Las Vegas Summer League, where he played one game for the Boston Celtics, contributing 13 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and a block in 25 minutes of play. Despite that promising performance, it was his time with the South Bay Lakers that solidified his place as a Lakers prospect. During the 2023-24 G-League season, Valerio-Bodon averaged 5.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and shot over 39% from three-point range in 16.5 minutes per game.
The Exhibit 10 Deal: What Does It Mean for Valerio-Bodon?
The Exhibit 10 contract is a special kind of deal that allows teams to sign players and retain their G-League rights, while also offering a financial bonus if the player chooses to stay with the affiliate team. In this case, the Los Angeles Lakers waived Valerio-Bodon after signing him to ensure he plays for their G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
While the move may have shocked some fans, it’s part of the Lakers’ strategy to bolster their G-League squad. Valerio-Bodon was the first Exhibit 10 signee the Lakers waived this offseason, but he likely won’t be the last, as the parent team currently doesn’t have any open roster spots.
What Did Valerio-Bodon Achieve With the Lakers So Far?
Valerio-Bodon’s journey with the Lakers has been eventful but marked by ups and downs. During the 2023-24 G-League season with the South Bay Lakers, he averaged modest stats—5.1 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. While these numbers don’t exactly scream “superstar,” his ability to shoot from beyond the arc at nearly 40% caught the Lakers’ attention.
This summer, Valerio-Bodon suited up for the Lakers in the Las Vegas Summer League, playing in two games. In just under 16 minutes per game, he put up 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. While these stats were not groundbreaking, they were enough to keep him on the Lakers’ radar for further development.
What’s Next for Valerio-Bodon?
While Vincent Valerio-Bodon hasn’t made it to the Lakers’ main roster, his path is far from over. The Lakers retained his G-League rights, which means he will continue to develop with the South Bay Lakers during the 2024-25 season. The South Bay Lakers recently released their G-League schedule, which includes the Tip-Off Tournament followed by the regular season. South Bay will play 24 home games, with 12 of them on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, ensuring ample time for Valerio-Bodon to showcase his skills.
Additionally, South Bay’s schedule includes some high-stakes games, such as back-to-back contests in Mexico City in January 2025. These international matchups will offer Valerio-Bodon a chance to play in different environments, possibly catching the eye of other NBA teams or, once again, the Lakers themselves.
Why Did the Lakers Cut Him?
The reason for waiving Valerio-Bodon after less than 24 hours lies in the intricacies of the Exhibit 10 deal. By signing him and then waiving him, the Lakers ensure that he plays for their G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. The contract allows them to monitor his development closely without committing an NBA roster spot to him.
While Valerio-Bodon hasn’t yet “wowed” the Lakers’ front office, he has shown enough promise to warrant continued development. For the young forward, this is an opportunity to polish his skills, improve his stats, and potentially get another shot at the NBA.
Will Valerio-Bodon Make It Back to the NBA?
The path to the NBA is rarely straightforward, and Vincent Valerio-Bodon is no exception. His consistent shooting from deep and size make him a potential candidate for a future NBA role, but for now, he remains a work in progress. If Valerio-Bodon can improve his overall game during his time with South Bay, there’s no reason he couldn’t find himself back on the Lakers’ radar or catch the attention of other NBA teams in need of a 6’9″ forward with three-point shooting abilities.
Conclusion: Valerio-Bodon’s Journey Continues
Vincent Valerio-Bodon may have been waived by the Los Angeles Lakers twice in less than a year, but this is far from the end of his NBA dreams. The 23-year-old forward still has plenty of time to develop and hone his skills with the South Bay Lakers. As he enters the 2024-25 season, all eyes will be on his performance in the G-League, where he has a chance to prove his worth and potentially earn another shot in the NBA.
In the ever-evolving world of professional basketball, Valerio-Bodon’s journey is a testament to the patience and perseverance required to make it at the highest level. With his shooting ability and size, the Hungarian forward is a player to watch as he continues his quest for an NBA roster spot.
Stay tuned for more updates on Vincent Valerio-Bodon and other G-League prospects as we track their journeys towards the NBA. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive interviews, live shows, and behind-the-scenes content
