Lakers' G League returnee shines in explosive South Bay comeback

Swider’s performance highlighted a strong connection with fellow new acquisition Stanley Johnson, who nearly posted a triple-double with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists. 

Swider's shooting was particularly effective, as he converted primarily on catch-and-shoot opportunities, showcasing his skill as a floor spacer. While he did display some ball-handling skills, it’s his off-the-ball movement that could catch the attention of the Lakers’ front office as it assesses potential NBA roster additions.

LeBron James-led teams have always valued floor-spacing shooters, and with the recent addition of Luka Doncic to their playmaking core, Swider’s ability to move off the ball and knock down shots could earn him another shot at the NBA. If he continues to impress for South Bay, there’s a real possibility he could earn a call-up, providing the Lakers with another sharpshooter to complement their star-studded lineup.

Swider began his professional journey with a two-way contract with the Lakers during the 2022-23 season, where he averaged 17.1 points and 4.8 rebounds for South Bay. However, NBA opportunities were limited, leading to his release at season’s end.

Since then, he has signed two-way deals with the Miami Heat and Detroit Pistons but continued to see minimal NBA playing time. Nonetheless, he has developed into a sharpshooting standout in the G League, boasting a career 44.8% shooting from beyond the arc, along with an average of 19.8 points per game over 70 career contests. 

This season, across his time with the Lakers and Cruise, Swider is averaging 20.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 steals, shooting 44.4% from three-point range. His growth as a reliable scoring option makes him one of the G League's most exciting talents this season.