Maxwell Lewis Joins Tofaş After Short NBA Stint

In a significant move for both player and club, former NBA forward Maxwell Lewis has officially signed with Tofaş Basketbol in Turkey, as confirmed by the team. This decision marks a new chapter for Lewis, who was selected as the 40th overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2023 NBA Draft after showcasing his talent at Pepperdine University.

Lewis began his professional career with the Lakers but faced challenges during his rookie season, where he logged limited minutes and appeared in 34 games, primarily in non-critical situations. While his time with Los Angeles was brief, he found more opportunities to shine with the South Bay Lakers in the G League. There, he played a more significant role, averaging an impressive 14.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.2 blocks over 28 games, demonstrating his potential as a promising young player.

As the 2024-25 season unfolded, Lewis started off with both the Lakers and their G League affiliate. However, a trade in December saw him moving to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a deal that involved D’Angelo Russell and Dorian Finney-Smith. Unfortunately, his time with the Nets was marred by injury; he suffered a fractured tibia during his first game, limiting him to just 21 appearances. In those outings, Lewis averaged 5.3 points and 2.5 rebounds in 14.2 minutes per game, shooting 42.2% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc.

In June, the Nets decided to waive Lewis prior to the guarantee of his 2025-26 salary, resulting in a minor $100K cap hit for the franchise. This decision opened the door for Lewis to explore opportunities overseas, leading to his signing with Tofaş, a club that competes in Turkey’s Basketball Super League.

At Tofaş, Lewis will join fellow player Anzejs Pasecniks, a former first-round draft selection, indicating that the club is focused on building a competitive roster. This move presents a fresh opportunity for Lewis to revitalize his basketball career on an international stage. With his skill set and experience in the NBA, he could become a pivotal player for Tofaş as they aim for success in their domestic league.

This transition to Turkey not only allows Lewis to gain valuable playing time but also presents him with a chance to further develop his game in a different environment. As reported by hoopswire.com, many players have found success in international leagues after their NBA careers, and Lewis will be hopeful that this path leads to a fruitful basketball journey.