While all eyes are on LeBron James’ future with the Lakers, Summer League is the perfect time to see what that future could hold. Among many young players making names for themselves in Las Vegas is Cole Swider, who has turned heads as a sharpshooter and could find himself donning the purple and gold long after Summer League concludes.
Could Lakers Summer League Star Get Second Chance in LA?
Swider’s Sizzling Start
The 26-year-old Swider has shot the lights out in the Thomas & Mack Center so far. In two games, he averaged 21.5 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game while nailing a blistering ten of his 18 three-point attempts (55.6%). His impressive numbers come after an excellent stint in the California Classic: 19.7 points and 5.0 rebounds on .576/.476/.917 splits, which earned him a nod to the All-California Classic Team.
Swider has started all five Summer League games for the Lakers between Sacramento and Vegas, scoring 20 or more points in four of them, all on remarkable efficiency (55% FG, 51% 3PT, 76% FT). The ex-Syracuse forward buries most of his threes off the catch—either spotting up or curling off screens—but he is also able to create his own shot with step backs and pump fakes. Such elite shot creation, combined with occasional drives to the basket, has put Swider on the radars of Lakers and NBA fans alike.
But aside from his shooting, Swider has impacted the game in other ways. He’s become a 6’9” double-double machine in Vegas while making plays for others and improving on defense. It’s worth monitoring his growth in those areas going forward, but he’s made a great impression heading into his fourth year in the league.
Background
Cole Swider is no stranger to the Lakers, having earned his first opportunity with them in 2022-23. A two-way contract signing, he played sparingly as a rookie but shone for LA’s G League affiliate, averaging 17.6 points on .506/.436/.838 shooting splits. The Lakers waived Swider in July 2023, leading him to bounce around on two-way deals with the Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons. Though he never found his footing at those stops, he still played very well for their G League teams.
After another stint in South Bay, Swider earned a call-up to the Toronto Raptors in March. In eight games (19 MPG), he put up 7.4 points and 3.1 rebounds while shooting 37% from the field and 35% from deep. As Swider continues his NBA journey, there’s no doubt his summertime play could generate interest from teams with open roster spots.
Could Lakers, Swider Reunite?
While the Lakers have plenty of young talent vying for training camp invites, Swider could be a favorite for LA’s remaining two-way contract spot (should Christian Koloko decline a reported offer). The team currently has center Trey Jemison and rookie forward Eric Dixon on the other two-way deals, and Swider—with his natural shooting ability and opportunity for growth—seems like a natural fit for the Lakers.
Swider is the perfect type of player to have next to James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as an outstanding shooter and overall three-level scorer. If the Lakers want to improve on their mediocre three-point shooting and build on their player development program, Cole Swider could be their guy if the opportunity presents itself.
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