{"id":149408,"date":"2025-07-09T06:30:35","date_gmt":"2025-07-09T10:30:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=149408"},"modified":"2025-07-09T17:10:10","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T21:10:10","slug":"four-lakers-to-watch-in-nba-2k26-las-vegas-summer-league","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/07\/09\/four-lakers-to-watch-in-nba-2k26-las-vegas-summer-league\/","title":{"rendered":"Four Lakers to Watch in NBA 2K26 Las Vegas Summer League"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Lakers wrapped up the California Classic with a 2-1 record after a wire-to-wire win over the San Antonio Spurs. Ahead of the NBA 2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas, here are four key players to watch heading into the ten-day slate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Four Lakers to Watch in NBA 2K26 Las Vegas Summer League<\/b><\/h2>\n

Dalton Knecht<\/b><\/h3>\n

After a rough start to the California Classic, second-year forward <\/span>Dalton Knecht<\/span><\/a> came alive against the Spurs, notching 25 points\u2014including 13 in the fourth quarter\u2014of LA\u2019s 89-88 victory. He displayed fluid scoring from all three levels and finally got into a groove that he\u2019ll look to carry over into Vegas. He will also aim to build on a productive rookie year, where he averaged 9.1 points on 46% shooting from the field and 37% from three.<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite his name constantly appearing in <\/span>trade rumors<\/span><\/a>, that has not stopped \u201cKnecht 4\u201d from putting on a show for Lakers Nation, as he looks to earn a bigger role heading into year two.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bronny James<\/b><\/h3>\n

Bronny James<\/span><\/a> has captured fans\u2019 attention ever since the Lakers took him 55th overall last year. After a heavily scrutinized rookie year, the son of Lakers star LeBron James<\/a> is looking to showcase his growth and silence the doubters heading into year two.<\/span><\/p>\n

James Jr. has done that so far in Summer League, scoring ten points in eleven minutes<\/a> against the Heat on Sunday. Bronny previously said he must be a <\/span>\u201cdefensive menace\u201d to earn minutes<\/span><\/a>, and he showed that in the Bay Area, picking pockets for highlight plays and playing physical on-ball defense. Though his offense could be more consistent, he\u2019s shown bursts of athleticism and an improved jumper. Audiences will continue to monitor Bronny\u2019s growth in Vegas as he vies for <\/span>a spot in JJ Redick\u2019s rotation<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cole Swider<\/b><\/h3>\n

A former two-way player for the Lakers, <\/span>Cole Swider<\/span><\/a> has displayed an excellent offensive repertoire in his second Summer League stint in LA. He began the California Classic with consecutive 20-point games<\/a>, shooting 7\/10 from the field each time. Then on Tuesday against the Spurs, Swider started 0\/4 before catching fire and hitting four of his next five shots. He finished with 15 points (5\/13 FG), four rebounds, two steals, two blocks and an assist, building on his strong start en route to an All-California Classic Team selection<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he\u2019s shown time and time again, Swider\u2019s best attribute is his shooting. The journeyman wing doesn\u2019t shy away from distance, often firing off the catch or relocating after a pump fake. In a league that has prioritized threes, Swider fits right in. However, improvements on defense will be vital toward continuing his career.<\/span><\/p>\n

Darius Bazley<\/b><\/h3>\n

After a <\/span>unique path to the league<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Darius Bazley<\/span><\/a> has turned heads with his solid two-way play. The former OKC Thunder forward recently spent a season in China<\/a>, and, like others, he\u2019s hungry to return to the NBA. The 25-year-old stuffed the stat sheet Tuesday with 27 points (team high), 13 rebounds and two assists off the bench, making a very compelling case for the purple and gold. In the first three summer games, Bazley <\/span>made his mark on defense<\/span><\/a> while scoring well in transition and being physical in the paint, not to mention having a decent handle and slick spin move. He even won the game for LA, rising up for a putback slam before recording the game-sealing stop.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Bazley gets the go ahead tip dunk followed by the game sealing perimeter defense.<\/p>\n

27 points 13 rebounds a block. +9. <\/p>\n

Impressive 3 game showcase. pic.twitter.com\/gJ1idcBzzo<\/a><\/p>\n

— Raj C. (@RajChipalu) July 9, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n