Los Angeles Lakers Sign Former Duke Star to NBA Summer League Roster, Hoping to Unlock His Potential and Spark a Breakout

The Los Angeles Lakers made headlines this week by adding a familiar name to their NBA Summer League roster—former Duke University standout Trevor Keels, a once highly-touted guard whose journey from college phenom to professional prospect has been anything but conventional.

The Lakers, always on the lookout for emerging talent who can complement their star-studded core, see Keels as more than just a short-term experiment. They believe that, under the right circumstances, he can rediscover the promise that made him a five-star recruit and one of Duke’s most electric players during his freshman season.

“Trevor is a guy with the size, strength, and skill set we’re looking for,” Lakers Summer League coach Dane Johnson said. “We want to give him the platform to show he belongs, and we’re confident he’ll take advantage of that opportunity.”

From Durham to the NBA: The Trevor Keels Story

Trevor Keels arrived at Duke in 2021 as part of a star-studded recruiting class that included Paolo Banchero and AJ Griffin. In his lone season under then-coach Mike Krzyzewski, Keels made an immediate impact with his physicality, defensive grit, and ability to score in bunches. He averaged 11.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game for a Duke team that made it all the way to the Final Four.

Though overshadowed at times by Banchero’s rise and Griffin’s sharpshooting, Keels often played the role of Duke’s enforcer. At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, he bullied opposing guards with his strength, attacked the rim with purpose, and didn’t shy away from defensive assignments.

After his freshman year, Keels declared for the 2022 NBA Draft. He was selected 42nd overall by the New York Knicks, but his transition to the NBA proved rocky. He spent most of his first two years bouncing between the G League and two-way contracts, struggling to find a permanent spot in a crowded Knicks backcourt.

Now, with a clean slate and a fresh opportunity in Los Angeles, Keels is looking to remind the basketball world why he once wore the Duke blue with such promise.

Why the Lakers Are Taking a Chance on Keels

The Lakers’ Summer League roster is typically a blend of second-year players, undrafted free agents, and young veterans searching for a breakthrough. For Keels, this setting might be the perfect proving ground.

“We watched a lot of his Duke tape again,” Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka shared. “There’s still that edge, that toughness, that downhill ability we think can thrive in our system—especially with the pace and space we want to play.”

Los Angeles has a history of unearthing hidden gems through the Summer League. Players like Austin Reaves and Alex Caruso once entered this environment as relative unknowns and exited as rotation-ready contributors.

The front office hopes Keels can follow a similar path—using this opportunity not only to showcase his skills but also to evolve as a professional.

“He has the physical tools to defend one through three,” Johnson added. “And if his outside shot continues to improve, he could be a real two-way threat.”

A New Mindset and Improved Game

Sources close to Keels say he’s been working relentlessly this offseason—both physically and mentally. His handle has tightened, his three-point percentage has improved in training, and most importantly, he’s developed a clearer understanding of how to contribute in a role-player capacity.

“Trevor’s been humbled a bit by the league, but he’s embraced that process,” said his trainer, Rico Hines. “He knows what teams want now. He’s focused on becoming an elite defender, a secondary playmaker, and a reliable spot-up shooter.”

During recent private scrimmages in Los Angeles, Keels reportedly held his own against several current NBA guards, showing a stronger command of the offense and a willingness to make the right reads instead of forcing his shot.

His defense—always his calling card—has reached another level, according to Hines.

“He’s quicker laterally, stronger in his base, and much more vocal. He’s not chasing the ball anymore—he’s anticipating,” the trainer said.

Familiar Faces and Fresh Motivation

Keels isn’t walking into the Lakers’ Summer League locker room without allies. He’s reuniting with a couple of former ACC rivals and friends, including former North Carolina forward Armando Bacot, who’s also on the roster trying to make the leap.

“It’s crazy, man. One minute we’re battling it out at Cameron and the Dean Dome, now we’re suiting up for the same team,” Bacot laughed. “But Trev’s a dawg. Always has been. I’ve seen him lock up the best guards in the country. I’m glad we’re finally on the same side.”

That camaraderie could prove crucial in helping Keels settle in and find his rhythm early during Summer League play. The Lakers open their Summer League schedule in Las Vegas with a marquee matchup against the Golden State Warriors, a game expected to draw significant national attention.

“I’m ready for it,” Keels said during his media availability. “I’ve been through a lot the last couple of years, but I never stopped working. I’m grateful the Lakers believe in me. Now it’s time to prove them right.”

The Fit With the Lakers’ Long-Term Vision

While the Lakers remain anchored by superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the franchise is actively building a bridge to the future. That includes evaluating and developing young pieces who can step into meaningful roles without skipping a beat.

Keels fits that mold if he continues to refine his game.

“He’s not coming in to be the star,” said Lakers assistant GM Jesse Buss. “He’s coming in to be the guy who defends the other team’s top guard, hits open shots, and plays winning basketball. And we believe he can do that.”

The Lakers’ coaching staff has made it clear to Keels that this is not a charity audition—it’s a challenge.

“We’re going to put him in situations that test him,” Johnson explained. “End-of-game scenarios, defensive rotations, pick-and-roll reads. We want to see how he responds under pressure.”

For Keels, it’s the kind of structure he thrives in.

“At Duke, Coach K always pushed me to be more than a scorer. To lead, to communicate, to lock in. That’s the mindset I’m bringing here.”

Fans React to the Signing

Lakers fans, never shy about voicing their opinions, have reacted positively to the signing. Many took to social media to express excitement at the idea of Keels donning the purple and gold.

“Trevor Keels was a dog at Duke. I’ve always felt he just needed the right opportunity. Hope the Lakers give him that,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Another posted: “Low-risk, high-reward move. If Keels clicks, he’s the kind of physical guard we’ve needed off the bench.”

What’s at Stake

For Keels, this Summer League stint is more than just a few games in July—it’s a potential career pivot point. If he impresses, he could earn an Exhibit 10 contract, a two-way deal, or even a coveted roster spot at training camp. If not, he may find himself back on the G League circuit or looking overseas.

But he’s not focused on what-ifs.

“I’ve learned to stay in the moment,” Keels said. “I’m not thinking about contracts or next year. I’m thinking about today’s practice, the next possession, the next stop. That’s how I’m approaching everything now.”

The Los Angeles Lakers are no strangers to bold moves and untapped potential. In signing Trevor Keels to their Summer League roster, they’re not just betting on a player—they’re investing in a story of redemption, resilience, and renewed purpose.

For Keels, this could be the beginning of the chapter he’s always wanted to write.

“I feel like myself again,” he said. “And I’m ready to remind people who I am.”