Cole Swider is headed to Anadolu Efes to play in the EuroLeague, leaving the NBA path behind for a high‑level European challenge. The former Lakers, Heat, Pistons and Raptors wing is known for his three-point touch in the G League, where he has posted 43.6%, 50%, and 44.1% from deep across recent seasons. In Europe, his job will be to space the floor, carve out mintues and prove he can translate that shooting into a new, efficient role on a top club.

At 26, Swider still has time to prime a return to the NBA if he shines, making this a pivotal year for fantasy players who chase shooting and role stability. His path will depend on how Efes uses him in pick-and-rolls, off screens and late-game possessions, and how well he adapts to a different style of competition. The move also signals the continued migration of spillover shooting talent to Europe as a proving ground with NBA upside.

Fantasy takeaway: monitor Swider’s minutes and three-point volume in Efes’ system. If he earns a steady role and shoots 40%+ from deep, he could become a swing option in later seasons and a candidate for a return to the NBA, giving savvy managers a potential two-way street for upside and trade leverage.

The Los Angeles Lakers concluded their summer league run in Las Vegas with a disappointing 106-84 loss to the Denver Nuggets. With a 1-3 record, they failed to advance to the semifinals. Key players like Bronny James and Dalton Knecht were rested for the game, leaving the Lakers short-handed. Cole Swider started strong, scoring 17 points, but struggled in the latter stages of the game. R.J. Davis, an undrafted guard from UNC, also chipped in 17 points off the bench. Despite showing competitive spirit early on, the Lakers were ultimately outscored 30-15 in the final quarter, sealing their fate in the consolation match.

The Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Los Angeles Clippers in the Las Vegas Summer League, but fell short with a 67-58 loss. Both teams struggled offensively, shooting below 40% from the field and committing a combined 36 turnovers. The Lakers managed to rally after an early deficit but failed to score in the last three minutes of the game.

Despite the team's struggles, Bronny James showcased his talent, finishing with 17 points, five rebounds, and five assists. He appeared more composed on the court, reflecting his development as a player. Cole Swider contributed with 16 points, while Dalton Knecht had a disappointing night with just 6 points from 15 attempts. The Clippers' Jordan Miller led all scorers with 19 points.

The Los Angeles Lakers lost a close Summer League match against the Dallas Mavericks, ending in an 85-87 defeat. Despite the loss, the performance of rookie Dalton Knecht stood out, as he scored 15 points, contributing significantly to the Lakers' effort. However, he faced a setback with calf cramps near the end of the game, which is expected to be a minor issue. Bronny James struggled to leave a mark, finishing with 8 points, even missing a potential game-winning shot. Cole Swider was the highlight for the Lakers, scoring 22 points and showcasing his capability to earn a spot on the main roster.

Cooper Flagg, making his debut for the Mavericks, managed to score just 10 points but filled the stat sheet with 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. The Lakers will look to bounce back against the Pelicans in their next matchup. This Summer League experience serves as critical for young players as they adapt to professional play and showcase their skills to secure future opportunities.

The Los Angeles Lakers kicked off their summer league campaign against the Golden State Warriors, suffering a 89-84 defeat. Although Bronny James was absent, Cole Swider emerged as a standout player, scoring a game-high 24 points with impressive shooting stats, including 6-of-8 from three-point range. The Lakers held a strong lead early but faltered defensively in the second half, allowing the Warriors to outscore them 50-41 during that period. Dalton Knecht struggled with his shooting, hitting just three of his 13 attempts, contributing minimally despite two steals and a block. The Lakers will look to bounce back in their next game against the Miami Heat.