David Lighty will remain with LDLC ASVEL for the upcoming season, according to official club announcements and reports from BasketEurope and BeBasket, though the precise capacity in which the 38-year-old veteran will serve remains unconfirmed by the organization.
ASVEL Announces the Veteran’s Return Via Social Media
The future of the American swingman in Villeurbanne appeared uncertain following a significant reduction in the club’s provisional budget. Reports indicated that the organization initially did not plan to retain Lighty within the professional playing squad as part of its wider financial restructuring.
However, LDLC ASVEL reversed course on Friday, August 21, publishing a video message that initially suggested an impending farewell before pivoting to announce his continued presence in Lyon. Speaking in the official club release, Lighty reflected on his lengthy tenure with the French powerhouse.
“Onze ans à Lyon, je n’aurais jamais pu l’imaginer. Maintenant, ici, c’est ma famille, ma maison,”
David Lighty (via LDLC ASVEL)
Lighty added that he believes unfinished business remains for the roster. “Il y a eu des trophées, des souvenirs et imaginer que tout cela puisse prendre fin, ce n’est pas quelque chose auquel on pense vraiment,” he stated in the video, before concluding, “Nous allons voir ce que nous pouvons faire la saison prochaine. Nous avons encore des trophées à aller chercher.”
Words from our Legend. pic.twitter.com/GxX2Mb7dIR
Contract Status and Squad Ambiguity
Despite confirmation that Lighty is staying with the organization, the club’s announcement did not explicitly state whether he has signed a new player contract for the 2026–2027 campaign under Tony Parker, according to BeBasket.
If Lighty does feature on the court, he will join an already crowded wing rotation. ASVEL’s roster construction for the upcoming season includes several options at the small forward position, including Jae Crowder, Both Gach, Edwin Jackson, and Myles Cale, as reported by BeBasket.
Statistical Context From the Previous Season
Lighty’s on-court responsibilities dipped during the 2025–2026 campaign amid adjustments to the team rotation. League statistics show that the former Ohio State standout appeared in 23 Betclic ELITE fixtures last season, averaging 5.4 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 0.9 assists across roughly 19 minutes per contest, while shooting certain percentages from the field and from beyond the arc on 1.9 attempts per game.
Having first arrived at Villeurbanne in 2014 before returning in 2018 after a brief departure, Lighty has spent a total of 11 years with the club. Whether he extends his playing career on the hardwood or steps into a new operational capacity, his continuation with the French club averts an abrupt parting for one of the most decorated figures in modern club history.
Keep reading
