The Los Angeles Lakers tipped off their Summer League campaign with an 89-84 loss to the Golden State Warriors in the California Classic, but while the scoreboard wasn’t in their favor, there were some bright spots — and some rough patches — for LA’s roster hopefuls.
DJ Steward Makes a Statement
DJ Steward, the former Duke standout who went undrafted in 2021, showed why he’s still fighting for an NBA shot. The 23-year-old guard poured in 20 points on an efficient 7-for-10 shooting night, added six assists, and nabbed a steal. Steward did have four turnovers, but his strong offensive performance and improved playmaking were encouraging signs for his development.
Dalton Knecht’s Rough Debut
Rookie Dalton Knecht had a game to forget. The 2024 first-round pick couldn’t find his rhythm, finishing just 3-of-13 from the field and missing all six of his three-point attempts. Knecht posted a team-worst -13 plus/minus, raising questions about his readiness despite recent work with Lakers coach JJ Redick.
Cole Swider Impresses
Cole Swider, who’s been battling on NBA fringes, gave the Lakers something to think about with a standout performance. Swider led all scorers with 24 points, shooting 7-of-10 overall and a blistering 6-of-8 from three. He also chipped in a team-high eight rebounds and had the best plus/minus at +4, giving LA a strong case to keep him around.
Trey Jemison Struggles
Big man Trey Jemison III, who logged minutes for LA last season, didn’t seize his opportunity. He went scoreless without a shot attempt and picked up three fouls in 20 minutes. While he blocked two shots, his uneven play underscored why the Lakers prioritized adding Deandre Ayton in free agency.
Takeaway
While Summer League wins don’t matter much, standout performances can. DJ Steward and Cole Swider made early cases for roster spots, but Dalton Knecht’s rocky start will keep eyes on his progress as the Lakers continue their Summer League schedule.
DJ Steward Impresses, Dalton Knecht Struggles in Lakers’ Summer League Debut
