The Lakers kicked off their 2025 Summer League action at the California Classic. They finished the event with a 2-1 record, with a blowout win against the Miami Heat, a one-point victory against the San Antonio Spurs, and a close loss to the Golden State Warriors.
Throughout the games, a few players made names for themselves with standout performances.
Cole Swider
As a third-year player with NBA experience, Cole Swider was expected to outperform most players in the California Classic. Still, his flashes of improvement were the most exciting development of the event.
Swider has a reputation for being a shooter with limited upside in other areas, but his performance to start the summer showed there might be more to his game.
He was the lone Laker to earn All-California Classic Team honors. The 6-foot-8, sharpshooting forward averaged 19.7 points and 5 rebounds per game while shooting 57.6% from the field and 47.6% from three-point range.
He generated most of his points from the perimeter, but also showed capabilities as a three-level scorer. He shot a promising 75% from two-point range while showing off improved shot creation off the dribble.
Additionally, his defensive playmaking showed he can be a more capable defender than he’s given credit for. He averaged 1.3 steals and 1 block per game.
Darius Bazley
Darius Bazley made a statement with his two-way play throughout the week. The 6-foot-9, athletic forward averaged 17.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. His performance against Miami stood out, as he recorded 27 points and 13 rebounds in the win.
His athleticism made it impossible for opposing teams to keep the fifth-year pro out of the paint, exemplified by his game-winning putback dunk against the Spurs.
If Bazely continues to play this way all summer, he may force the Lakers’ front office to consider making room for him on the regular-season roster.
Dalton Knecht
Dalton Knecht struggled to start the California Classic. He averaged just 7 points per game while shooting 25% from the field and 0% from three in the first two games. These numbers were concerning for Lakers fans who were expecting a leap from the second-year pro.
He quieted those concerns with a strong performance against the Spurs to wrap up the event. He scored 25 points, including a 14-point fourth quarter, while shooting 50% from the field and three-point range.
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DJ Steward
DJ Steward impressed with his combo-guard play. The 6-foot-2 guard opened the California Classic with a 20-point, 6-assist performance against the Warriors. Though he didn’t live up to the high bar he set for himself throughout the rest of the event, he still averaged 14.3 points and 4 assists per game.
If the fifth-year G League pro can find a way to stay consistent this summer, he may be an option for the Lakers’ search for a backup guard.
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