Lakers Fans, Weigh In: Cole Swider’s Summer League stats are impressive, with 22 PPG on 70% shooting. Should he get a spot on the team?

Cole Swider is Lighting It Up in Summer League — Averaging 22 PPG on 70% Shooting! Lakers Fans, Should the Team Give Him Another Shot in the Regular Season?

The Summer League is often where NBA hopefuls and young prospects make their mark, and this year, Cole Swider has been nothing short of electrifying. Averaging an impressive 22 points per game on a scorching 70% shooting, Swider has captured the attention of not just Lakers fans, but the entire basketball world. As the Los Angeles Lakers look to reshape their roster for the upcoming season, the question on everyone’s mind is: should the team give Swider another shot in the regular season?

A Scorching Summer Performance

Cole Swider’s Summer League performances have been a revelation. Known for his smooth shooting stroke and high basketball IQ, Swider has taken his game to another level, displaying confidence and efficiency that few can match. Scoring 22 points per game is impressive in any context, but doing so while hitting 70% of your shots is almost unheard of, especially for a wing player who takes a significant number of perimeter shots.

What makes Swider’s performance even more remarkable is his shot selection and versatility. He’s been knocking down three-pointers, attacking closeouts, and finishing at the rim with ease. His ability to move without the ball and find open spaces has allowed him to thrive alongside various lineups, making him an ideal fit for the modern NBA’s pace-and-space style.

A Second Chance with the Lakers?

Swider’s NBA journey has been anything but straightforward. After going undrafted in 2022, he signed a two-way contract with the Lakers and spent much of his rookie season bouncing between the G League and the big club. While his opportunities with the Lakers were limited, he showed flashes of his potential, particularly as a floor spacer and catch-and-shoot threat.

The Lakers, meanwhile, have been in desperate need of reliable shooting off the bench. Last season, inconsistency from the second unit and a lack of floor spacing often hampered the team’s offense, especially when LeBron James and Anthony Davis rested. Swider’s shooting could address a critical weakness, providing the Lakers with a low-cost, high-upside option who already knows the system.

What Swider Brings to the Table

Beyond his shooting, Swider has worked hard to improve other aspects of his game. His defense, once considered a liability, has shown signs of improvement. He’s become more disciplined in his rotations and has used his length to contest shots more effectively. While he may never be a lockdown defender, his willingness to compete on that end of the floor is encouraging.

Moreover, Swider’s attitude and work ethic have drawn praise from coaches and teammates alike. He’s known for staying late after practice, soaking up advice from veterans, and always looking for ways to improve. In a league where intangibles often separate the good from the great, Swider’s professionalism stands out.

Should the Lakers Take the Leap?

Given his Summer League heroics and clear fit with the Lakers’ needs, there’s a compelling case for giving Cole Swider another shot in the regular season. His shooting ability alone could make him a valuable weapon in the Lakers’ rotation, and his growth as an all-around player suggests he’s ready for the challenge.

Of course, Summer League success doesn’t always translate to the NBA, where the competition is stiffer and the pressure is higher. But Swider has shown he deserves a longer look. For a Lakers team seeking affordable contributors and fresh energy, betting on Swider’s continued development might just pay off in a big way.

Lakers fans, what do you think? Has Cole Swider earned another chance to shine in purple and gold?