LDLC ASVEL has signed French forward Armel Traore to a two-year deal, the club officially announced, continuing their roster rebuild ahead of the 2025–26 campaign.
The 22-year-old returns to France after a whirlwind season that included appearances with the Los Angeles Lakers, South Bay Lakers in the G League, and most recently, Basquet Manresa in Spain’s Liga ACB.
Traore averaged 10.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 33 games for ADA Blois during the 2023–24 LNB Pro A season before heading to the United States.
He signed a two-way contract with the Lakers in July 2024 after going undrafted, appearing in nine NBA games and 13 G League contests.
While his NBA minutes were limited (1.6 points in 7.4 minutes), he posted solid numbers in the G League, averaging 14.6 points and 9.2 rebounds on 50.7% shooting with South Bay.
Following his waiver from Los Angeles in February 2025, Traore signed with Manresa, gaining valuable experience in the Spanish ACB.
The 6-foot-9 forward now joins ASVEL, who praised his athleticism, versatility, and defensive energy in their official statement.
“Armel combines power, physicality, and two-way ability,” the club said, calling him a key piece for the team’s future.
Traore’s return marks a full-circle moment in his development, which began at CFBB before stops with AS Monaco, ALM Evreux, Metropolitans 92, and Blois.
He was part of France’s U20 national team that won the 2023 European Championship.
