Summer League is not about banners. It is about discovery. While the Los Angeles Lakers’ 1-3 record in Las Vegas did not turn heads, three names absolutely should have.
Those names include: Cole Swider, Darius Bazley, and RJ Davis. Each brought something different. Each did enough to be remembered in the good books.
Lakers may have just found a dream floor-spacer in Cole Swider
There is a difference between being a good shooter and being someone defenses have to plan for. Swider clearly fits into the second category. He averaged 17.6 points per game on outstanding efficiency, hitting over 40 percent of his threes on nearly nine attempts per game.
Beyond the numbers, his movement off the ball, decision-making, and quick release all popped off the charts. The Lakers need reliable, floor-spacing wings.
Swider is not just a nice option, he is a clear solution, especially with head coach JJ Redick in charge. He proved to be a serious rotation candidate.
Darius Bazley’s monster start to the SL deserves more love
Before a scary injury ended his run, Bazley was making a real impression. He had impressive averages of 12.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. He defended on the perimeter, rotated well, and flashed athleticism that fits the Lakers’ up-tempo DNA.
Although his Summer League ended early, he made a strong case to stay on the team. Out of all three of these guys, Bazley also has the most experience at an NBA level, having already played five seasons, with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Philadelphia 76ers, and the Utah Jazz.
RJ Davis silenced doubters in epic fashion
RJ Davis did not start off hot, but he waited his turn and made it count. In the Lakers’ final game, he played his best basketball, dropping 17 points and three assists on efficient shooting.
Davis, the former ACC Player of the Year from North Carolina, has all the tools needed to grow within a system. A two-way deal feels like a natural next step, with the upside to upgrade into more.
Lakers receive a tantalizing preview of what is to come
At the end of the day, the Lakers may have bowed out early, but the real story was not in the standings. It was in the roster clarity. Swider proved his shooting is NBA-ready. Bazley flashed the kind of defensive versatility this team needs. Davis showed he belongs in the conversation.