The Los Angeles Lakers ended the Summer League on a high note with a clutch win against the Los Angeles Clippers 104-103. This was the Lakers’ third win in the Summer League giving them a 3-2 record. Despite missing out on the tournament, this win was a great way to end their Summer League stint in Vegas.
Lakers Leave Vegas with a Win
Lakers Game Review
Neither Max Christie nor Jalen Hood Schifino were available for the team’s final game of the Las Vegas Summer League. Both players have been essential to the young Lakers’ success this summer. Despite their absence, the Lakers were able to clinch a hard-fought victory against the Los Angeles Clippers, a testament to their resiliency and team commodity. After losing the first quarter 28-22, the purple and gold took control of the final three quarters and win the game from the free throw line, when Cole Swider knocked one down with only 0.4 seconds remaining on the clock.
Rounding out Summer League with a dub pic.twitter.com/7GV8s912NQ
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 17, 2023
Lakers Player Spotlight
The Lakers had multiple contributors to their win, but three players stood out. 6-foot-4 undrafted guard D’Moi Hodge was signed by the Lakers on a two-way contract. Hodge may not be a potential all-star, but he proved his worth in the game as he scored 23 points and knocked down 7 out of 11 from three point range. Not to mention swiping five steals, five rebounds and three assists.
D'Moi Hodge finished the Summer League shooting 40% (22/55) from 3.
In Missouri he shot 40% from 3P on 7 attempts per game.
I will not be shocked if he gets PT with the parent team. #Lakers
— Omar Siddiqi (@osid24) July 17, 2023
Hodge is a contender fighting for a roster spot and has shown substantial improvement in his three-point shooting. Over the course of the past two seasons, he has gone from 29.9% to 40%. He is someone to keep an eye on if he continues to develop his skills.
Cole Swider Continues to Stand Out
Cole Swider has arguably proven he deserves a bigger role with the Los Angeles Lakers. This is after a split season with the South Bay Lakers in the G-League and the Lakers in the NBA. Swider has impressed coaches and fans with his shooting and scoring ability, increasing his value as a potential key role player for the Lakers.
Cole Swider hits the game-winning free throw and the Lakers win! pic.twitter.com/lddpNZ1IY4
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 17, 2023
Swider has averaged 13.2 points per game in five NBA Summer League games. He scored 21 points in the Lakers’ victory against the Clippers and nailed the game-winning free throw. There is no doubt that Swider has the ability to play in the NBA but the Lakers will need to decide if they have enough space on their roster to sign him. It will be a tough decision, as Swider has certainly proven himself worthy of an NBA contract.
L.J. Figueroa Stays Hot
L. J. Figueroa continued his dominant performance vs the Clippers scoring 23 points off the bench in 23 minutes. Figueroa is an underrated player but has been making a name for himself this summer. The 25-year-old is older than most but could still have a chance of making it to the big leagues. Figueroa went undrafted in 2021 and has played in the G-League for the Santa Cruz Warriors and South Bay Lakers in the last two seasons.
Team win.
LJ Figueroa: 23 pts, 7 reb, 2 ast
D’Moi Hodge: 23 pts, 5 stl, 5 reb
Cole Swider: 21 pts, 3 reb, 1 ast
Colin Castleton: 13 pts, 14 reb, 6 ast pic.twitter.com/y47ICNFPka— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 17, 2023
No player’s route to the NBA is the same. His story serves as an inspiration for other undrafted players and emphasizes that hard work and dedication can create opportunities. Figueroa’s future with the franchise is uncertain, but he is an intriguing prospect to watch.
