Former Los Angeles Lakers player Patrick Beverley is keeping a close watch on one of the team’s promising talents. The Lakers were among the first teams to compete in this year’s Summer League, starting with the California Classics on July 6th.
Across the two games played, one player, in particular, has caught attention as an exciting prospect. Twenty-six-year-old Cole Swider, who was also part of the Lakers’ 2022 summer league roster and has NBA experience, has been impressive. After brief periods with Miami, Detroit, and Toronto, Swider has now returned to the Lakers.
Patrick Beverley recently crossed paths with Swider in Los Angeles and showed his enthusiasm for the player’s progress. Beverly supported Swider after seeing a clip from Lakers practice where Swider confidently made shots while engaging with teammate Dalton Knecht. Beverley expressed his hope that Swider gets a chance to prove himself, believing the player will seize the opportunity if given.
On social media, Beverley posted: “No, Cole Diff. Cole is an elite shot maker. 🌎 will see it if the chance arises.” Swider has spent significant time with the South Bay Lakers, helping smooth his path to the senior team. Last season, he signed a 10-day contract with the Toronto Raptors, appearing in eight games with an average of 7.4 points in 19 minutes.
In the Summer League so far, Swider has stood out for the Lakers, scoring 24 points on 7-10 shooting in the opener against the Warriors and followed by a 20-point game against the Fever. In both games, he led his team in scoring, outpacing teammates Dalton Knecht and Bronny James.
The Lakers are preparing for another big game against the Mavericks, led by top draft pick Cooper Flagg, providing Swider with a prime opportunity to continue his scoring streak and capture more attention.
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Fan Take: Patrick Beverley’s endorsement of Cole Swider highlights a potential rising star in the Lakers’ roster, signaling exciting depth for one of the NBA’s most storied franchises. This kind of emerging talent can energize the league, offering fans fresh players to watch and possibly shaping the future of basketball.
