Žalgiris signs long-term deal with American player who shone in LKL playoffs

Kaunas basketball club Žalgiris has secured Maxwell Lewis, an American forward who impressed during the LKL playoffs, with a long-term contract. The deal, valid until the end of the 2028-2029 season under a "2+1" formula, highlights the club's investment in the 23-year-old player with NBA experience.

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Maxwell we first saw at the "Gloria Cup" tournament when we played against Bursa "Tofaš" team. It was immediately clear that he is a player of extraordinary qualities.

Žalgiris's sports director, Gediminas Navickas, expressed early interest in Lewis, first noticing him at the "Gloria Cup" tournament. Despite a less successful stint with Bursa Tofaş, Lewis's performance with Utenos Juventus caught the club's attention, particularly his strong finish to the season.

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We see that he is a player with EuroLeague data, who has the qualities needed for a basketball player of this level – athleticism, length, shooting.

Navickas believes Lewis possesses the qualities for EuroLeague play, citing his athleticism, height, and shooting ability. The club plans to loan Lewis to Tautvydas Sabonis's London Lions for the next season, trusting Sabonis's expertise to help Lewis develop further and get closer to EuroLeague standards. "We are ready to grow and invest," Navickas stated.

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I deserve to play at this level. I didn't get a chance in the NBA. I am only 23 years old and I still have a lot to prove.

Lewis himself is confident about his potential, stating, "I deserve to play at this level. I didn't get a chance in the NBA. I am only 23 years old and I still have a lot to prove." He also thanked Utenos Juventus coach Laimonas Eglinskas for his guidance. Lewis also mentioned his friendship with former teammate Marekas Blaževičius, who will join Žalgiris next season, though he believes Blaževičius is unaware of his signing.

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He is a great coach. All the coaches on this team were great, but L. Eglinskas was more flexible. He made us better players on every possession. I am grateful to him for that. He is a great coach.