SAN FRANCISCO -- Before making their way to compete in Las Vegas for the start of the NBA Summer League, the Los Angeles Lakers traveled to the Bay Area to play their first game of the summer against the Golden State Warriors in the California Classic.
Unfortunately, the Lakers would drop their Summer League opener by a final score of 89-84.
Beau Levesque, who was hired as the Lakers' assistant coach under head coach JJ Redick in 2024, was appointed to head coaching responsibilities for the California Classic Summer League games. In his first game as a head coach, he sent out Dalton Knecht, Cole Swider, Trey Jemison III, DaJuan Gordon, and DJ Steward as game one starters against another strong Warriors squad.
Key players such as Bronny James, Eric Dixson, and Adou Thiero were absent from the California Classic opener.
The Lakers had a strong first half offensively, but as soon as regulation began for the second half, the Warriors quickly jumped to a 7-0 run to begin the third and did not look back after that. This would be a recurring theme as Golden State would take over in the second half and secure the home opener.
Cole Swider, who is returning for his second Summer League stint with Los Angeles, had himself a productive afternoon as he was the Lakers' leading scorer with 24 in 29 minutes played. He went 7-10 in field goal attempts and shot 75% from beyond the arc.
Sophomore Dalton Knecht had himself a lackluster day on the floor, scoring 10 points on 3-13 shooting and snagging four boards.
The Lakers set their sights on Sunday as they prepare to take on the Miami Heat at 1:30 PT, then complete their California Classic Summer League play on Tuesday against the San Antonio Spurs. After the conclusion of California Classic Summer League play, the team will then travel to Sin City to begin the Summer League on July 10 against the Dallas Mavericks, a squad that is highlighted by the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, Cooper Flagg.