The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2025 NBA Summer League campaign came to an end following their concluding game. In that final contest, they faced off against the Denver Nuggets, who dominated the match and secured a convincing 106-84 win over the Lakers.
For the Lakers, the standout performers were Cole Swider and RJ Davis, both contributing 17 points each. Davis, who went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, had signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Lakers. With a solid five-year NCAA tenure at North Carolina, Davis brought invaluable experience to the Summer League, showcasing his skills effectively.
Davis’s performance was particularly notable as he scored efficiently, making all six of his field goal attempts, including three three-pointers. In addition to scoring, he contributed with assists and a steal during his 25 minutes off the bench. Throughout his NCAA career, Davis distinguished himself by joining an elite group of players at UNC with over 2,500 points, 600 rebounds, 500 assists, and 300 three-pointers, along with over 150 steals.
Despite his impressive collegiate achievements, Davis went undrafted, likely due to concerns over his shooting efficiency, having a 41.8% shooting percentage in college. Nevertheless, his strong Summer League performance hints at his potential to add value to the Lakers moving forward.
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Fan Take: This moment is significant for basketball enthusiasts as it highlights how overlooked talent like RJ Davis can shine and challenge the draft status quo. Davis’s success story underscores the importance of perseverance and the impact that underrated players can have in shaping the future of the sport.