The Los Angeles Lakers engaged in an epic Summer League battle with the Dallas Mavericks.
All eyes were on the Bronny James vs Cooper Flagg matchup in the 2025 NBA Summer League. While Bronny had a decent game, it was another player who stole the show for the LA Lakers.
It was none other than California Classic Summer League standout Cole Swider, who put up 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 assist in 30 minutes of playing time in an 87-85 loss against the Dallas Mavericks.
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty ImagesFans want LA Lakers to sign Cole Swider for 2025-26 NBA season
The 22-point scoring outburst marked Swider’s third game with at least 20 points in the 2025 Summer League.
While the Lakers still have multiple games left to be played in the tournament, many fans are convinced that the organization should offer Swider a permanent spot on the roster for the next season.
Cole Swider in 4 Summer League games:
24 PTS, 8 REB
20 PTS, 3 REB
15 PTS, 4 REB
22 PTS, 10 REB
Should the Lakers sign him? 👀 pic.twitter.com/it2SQDIKZs
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) July 11, 2025
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“Lights out shooter,” a fan wrote. While another added: “Yes it’s time he finally gets his chance.”
“Lakers need to sign Cole Swider IMMEDIATELY,” a third fan added.
“He’s automatic and should be a rotational guy in this league,” another fan chimed in.
“Cole Swider should be on a roster that doesn’t mean you have to play him,” a fifth fan suggested.
All things considered, the Laker Nation seems convinced about Swider’s talent, who is also shooting more than 50% from the three-point line in the Summer League.
Pros and cons of LA Lakers potentially signing Cole Swider
Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images
While it’s always great to see underrated players explode in the G League or Summer League, earning a spot in the NBA is not as easy as it may sound.
For starters, dominating in the Summer League is comparatively easier due to the lack of top talent in the competition. But let’s assume that the Lakers buy into the hype and sign him to a deal. Would it be a good decision?
Swider undoubtedly has the potential to be a rotational player for the Purple and Gold, thanks to his sensational three-point shooting ability. He could give the team an extra push from deep off the bench.
The Lakers ranked fifth in the league with 36.6% three-point shooting for the season. Adding Swider to the rotation will only help with getting better in that department.
But on the other hand, there’s a huge downside to signing Swider right now, as he cannot be offered a two-way deal due to his prior NBA experience.
Speaking of that experience, Swider has 35 games under his belt where he averaged just 3.1 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game. That means he has failed to succeed in the league previously, but, hey, who knows, he may get his breakthrough with the Lakers?