In the midst of a Summer League filled with excitement especially with Bronny James in his second year with the Lakers, one player has been quietly making his case as a potential key contributor to the team’s future. That guy is none other than Cole Swider. While much of the attention has been on the bigger names, Swider is proving he might just be the hidden gem the Lakers did not know they were looking for.
**Swider’s path to this point has been anything but ordinary**
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After spending most of his time in the G League and getting a few brief chances in the NBA, including a stint with the Lakers in 2022-23, he’s finally finding his rhythm in the Summer League. His recent performances have been hard to ignore. In his debut he dropped 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 three-pointers on 70% shooting. In game 2 he followed that up with another 20 points shooting an impressive 70% once again from the field.
What sets Swider apart from many others is his shooting. The 6'9" forward has been a consistent sharpshooter, with a remarkable 45.5% from three over the last three seasons in the G League. That’s the type of shooting the Lakers desperately need, especially as they look to surround their key players with the right role players who can space the floor. Swider’s ability to stretch defenses with his shooting could be the perfect fit on a team looking to optimize its offensive flow.
**He adds depth to the bench**
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For the Lakers, [depth scoring has been a challenge](https://lakeshowlife.com/lakers-trade-proposal-sacrifices-austin-reaves-to-address-depth-concerns), and Swider could be the player who fills that gap. He’s the kind of shooter who can stand at the arc, catch and release, and make teams pay when they leave him open. With the ball-handling and playmaking abilities of players like Luka Doncic and Lebron James, Swider could be a lethal option off the bench, providing a scoring spark when needed.
**How JJ Redick helps**
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As a former elite shooter and now part of the Lakers coaching staff, Redick brings a wealth of knowledge on how to [maximize a sharpshooter’s potential.](https://lakeshowlife.com/dalton-knecht-golden-opportunity-keep-proving-lakers-keep) If there’s anyone who understands what it takes to make a living beyond the arc in the NBA, it’s Redick. With his guidance, Swider could refine his game even further.With more chances, particularly in Summer League games like these, he should be able to make a compelling argument to stick around, and there is no question he has been doing well so far.