LJ Cryer

Lionel "LJ" Cryer Jr. (born October 9, 2001) is an American professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association (NBA), on a two-way contract with the Santa Cruz Warriors of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Baylor Bears and Houston Cougars.

High school career Cryer played basketball for Morton Ranch High School in Katy, Texas. As a junior, he averaged 27.5 points, 5.8 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game, earning District 19-6A MVP honors. In the regular season finale of his senior season, Cryer had a 50-point, 10-assist game against Mayde Creek High School. A four-star recruit, he committed to playing college basketball for Baylor over offers from Houston, Colorado, LSU, Purdue and Stephen F. Austin, among others. On November 20, 2021, he scored 21 points in an 86–48 victory against Stanford. On January 29, 2022, Cryer was ruled out after aggravating a right foot injury. He averaged 13.5 points, 1.7 assists and 1.5 rebounds per game. As a junior, Cryer was named to the Third Team All-Big 12. He averaged 15.0 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. Following the season, Cryer transferred to Houston.

He averaged 15.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game as a senior. Cryer was named to the Second Team All-Big 12. He decided to return for his fifth season of eligibility. Cryer averaged 15.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. He helped the Cougars reach the NCAA championship game.

Professional career Golden State / Santa Cruz Warriors (2025–present) After going undrafted in the 2025 NBA draft, Cryer joined the Golden State Warriors for the 2025 NBA Summer League. On June 27, 2025, he was signed to an Exhibit 10 contract. Cryer was waived by the Warriors on October 18. For the 2025–26 season, he was added to the training camp roster of the Warriors' NBA G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors. Cryer signed a two-way contract with Golden State on December 2. On April 1, 2026, Cryer made his first career start, recording a career-high 17 points, one rebound, and three assists in a 127–113 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

On 2 July, 2026, he joined the Warriors for the 2026 NBA Summer League.

Career statistics

NBA

College

Personal life Cryer's father, Lionel Sr., played college football as a linebacker for Grambling State. His younger brother, Justin, played the same position at Royal High School in Brookshire, Texas, where his father served as defensive coordinator.