Mar 27, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Patrick Beverley (21) controls the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Ex-NBA Guard Patrick Beverley Reacts to Potential New Lakers Player

Originally posted on Chicago Bulls on SI | By Jed Katz | Last updated Jul 7, 2025 3:33 PM ET

The NBA Summer League has officially underway in California and Utah, with many teams showcasing rookies and young players fighting for roster spots. One player who stole the spotlight at the California Classic is Los Angeles Lakers guard Cole Swider.

Swider, the 26-year-old who last played for the Toronto Raptors, has been dominating Summer League, starting with 24 points and eight rebounds against the Golden State Warriors. He knocked down six three-pointers, shooting 7-of-10 from the field.

Swider followed that up with 20 points in a win against the Miami Heat, shooting 7-of-10 once again. He has emerged as a star for the Lakers' Summer League squad, which has fans talking about a potential roster spot in the near future. One Lakers fan name-dropped forward Dalton Knecht in a video of him and Swider in a workout, alluding to Swider potentially stealing his minutes.

Former Chicago Bulls point guard Patrick Beverley quote-tweeted the video, giving praise to Swider. The two were teammates on the Lakers before Beverley signed with the Bulls in 2023. With Chicago, the veteran averaged 5.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and a steal across 22 games.

No No No, Cole diff. Cole is an Elite shot maker. if he ever gets a chance the will see @coleswider21 @PatBevPod https://t.co/Cw33cLAdwF
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) July 7, 2025

"No No No, Cole diff. Cole is an Elite shot maker. if he ever gets a chance the [world] will see," Beverley tweeted.

A lot of the Summer League was on Bronny James, son of LeBron James, before it kicked off. He has held his own, but Swider has clearly been the better performer. Perhaps the recognition from fans (and Beverley) could lead to a contract with Los Angeles.

This article first appeared on Chicago Bulls on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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