Cole Swider's Red-Hot Summer League Surge Makes Him a Legit Contender for Lakers Roster Spot
Cole Swider
is rapidly becoming one of the most intriguing stories of the 2025 NBA Summer League. This is mostly due to his elite three-point shooting and poised performances for the Los Angeles Lakers.
As he makes a compelling case for a full-time NBA roster spot, Swider's journey is a testament to perseverance, skill development, and the enduring value of sharpshooting in today's NBA.
Cole Swider's Journey from Rhode Island Phenom to College Standout
Cole Swider's basketball journey began in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, where he starred at St. Andrew's School and was named Rhode Island Gatorade Player of the Year as a junior. He was a four-star recruit, initially committing to Villanova, where he played three seasons before transferring to Syracuse.
At Syracuse, Swider blossomed as a starting power forward, averaging 13.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, showcasing his ability to stretch the floor and rebound.
Despite a strong college résumé, Cole Swider went undrafted in 2022. He quickly signed a two-way contract with the Lakers, splitting time with their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. Swider's calling card has always been his shooting: during the 2022-23 G League season, he hit 43.6% of his threes and averaged 17.1 points per game.
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by Taboola
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Over three G League seasons, he's never shot below 43.6% from deep, peaking at 24.9 points per game in 2023-24.
Cole Swider Shines as a Standout Star in the 2025 Summer League
Cole Swider for the Lakers (Image via Getty)
Swider's 2025 Summer League campaign has been nothing short of electric. In the California Classic, he led the Lakers with 20 points on 7-for-10 shooting in a win over the Miami Heat. Against the Golden State Warriors, he erupted for 24 points, drilling 6-of-8 from three and grabbing eight rebounds in just 29 minutes.
Across the Summer League, he's ranked second among all players with 19.7 points per game, shooting a scorching 58% from the field, 48% from three, and 92% from the free-throw line.
'Cole Swider once again showed why he's one of the most reliable summer league veterans, delivering a sharp 24-point performance… shooting an impressive seven of 10 from the field, including six of eight from three-point range and added eight rebounds and a steal.'
Why Swider's Skillset Matters
Standing 6'9' and weighing 220 pounds, Swider brings size and versatility to the forward spot. His ability to space the floor is a premium asset in today's NBA, especially for a Lakers team seeking reliable shooting around stars. Swider's efficiency is not just volume-based—he's lethal from the corners (52.5% on corner threes in the G League), and his presence elevates team offensive ratings whenever he's on the floor.
Can Swider Stick With The Lakers?
While Swider's G League and Summer League numbers are elite, his NBA opportunities have been limited. He's played just 35 NBA games over three years, averaging 3.1 points in 8.5 minutes per game. However, his recent stint with the Toronto Raptors saw him average 7.4 points and 3.1 rebounds in eight games—his best NBA stretch yet.
The challenge for Swider remains on the defensive end. To secure a full-time NBA spot, he must prove he can hold his own defensively, leveraging his size and basketball IQ to make the right rotations and team plays.
What's Next for Swider and the Lakers?
At 26, Swider is entering his prime and playing with the confidence of a veteran. The Lakers, aiming to compete for a championship, value his shooting and floor-spacing. With his Summer League performance turning heads, a two-way contract or even a full roster spot is well within reach if he continues to impress.
Also read:
Is Deandre Ayton Really in the Same Statistical Class as Jokic, Giannis, AD, and Embiid? Exploring Jason McIntyre's Bold Take
In a league where shooting is king, Cole Swider's hot hand could be his ticket to a permanent NBA home—a journey that's as inspiring as it is entertaining for Lakers fans and basketball purists alike.
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