Fansided

3 players from Lakers Summer League team who could make regular-season roster

By Rucker Haringey

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 09: Cole Swider #21 of the Syracuse Orange reacts after a slam dunk during the second half against the Lafayette Leopards at the Carrier Dome on November 09, 2021 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 09: Cole Swider #21 of the Syracuse Orange reacts after a slam dunk during the second half against the Lafayette Leopards at the Carrier Dome on November 09, 2021 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Lakers rumors, Cole Swider
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 11: Cole Swider #21 of the Syracuse Orange takes a foul shot during a college basketball game against the Georgetown Hoyas at the Capital One Arena on December 11, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

1. Cole Swider

The Lakers signed Juan Toscano-Anderson and Troy Brown Jr. to give them more flexibility on the wing this center but a skilled prospect like Swider could do even more to make Darvin Ham’s offense hum. He was streaky as a shooter at Syracuse but it’s easy to envision a scenario where his jumper is solidified pretty quickly as a pro.

That’s the skill that needs to pop if Swider is going to advance from his current status as a two-way player. He’s not a plus athlete but he does have quality size for the wing position. He’s more of a 4/3 than a true 3-and-D wing but that kind of guy can still help this uneven roster.

Swider’s goal should be to show that he’s a more balanced player than Stanley Johnson is at the power forward position. Johnson is an adequate defender and good rebounder, but he’s a non-shooter. Swider just needs to show that he’s passable on the defensive end to convince this coaching staff he’s worth investing minutes into.

Next. Lakers land their new starting center. dark

The best thing for Swider might be to spend a full year in the G League expanding his offensive repertoire, but the best thing for the Lakers might be using him as an end-of-bench guy this season. His skill with the ball in his hands could help give the Lakers a boost off the bench if things break right.

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