LAS VEGAS — The Lakers head into Game 3 of the Las Vegas Summer League on Monday looking to build on momentum after splitting their first two games. Los Angeles dropped a tight opener to the Mavericks but bounced back with a strong team effort in their second game, beating the Pelicans 94–81.
Cole Swider once again led the charge, finishing with 21 points while shooting four-of-nine from three. Swider has scored 20 or more in four of the Lakers’ five Summer League games and continues to be the team's most consistent scorer.
Dalton Knecht did not suit up, as he's dealing with a calf injury. His status for tonight's game against the Clippers remains uncertain.
The Lakers had five players score in double figures against New Orleans, including Bronny James, who had his best performance this summer with 14 points.
Darius Bazley put together another well-rounded outing, putting more pressure on the coaching staff to earn him a training camp look, finishing with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
L.A. will now face a Clippers squad that’s 2–0 in Vegas and playing confident basketball behind the strong play of Patrick Baldwin Jr., Jordan Miller, and Cam Christie, who each scored 20 points in their last game.
Baldwin Jr.'s interior presence will be a strong matchup against Bazley and Christian Koloko inside. A win would move L.A. to 2–1 and keep them in the running for a potential semifinal berth later this week.
Lakers vs. Clippers: Vegas Summer League Game 3
📅 Date: Monday, July 14
⏰ Tip-off: 7:30 p.m. PT
📍 Location: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas
📺 TV: NBA TV
📻 Radio: ESPN LA 710 and the Lakers Radio Network
Projected starters based off of previous game.
Lakers Starting Five:
PG: Bronny James
SG: DJ Steward
SF: Cole Swider
PF: Darius Bazley
C: Christian Koloko
Clippers Starting Five:
PG: Zavier Simpson
SG: Cam Christie
SF: Jordan Miller
PF: Patrick Baldwin Jr.
C: Yanic Niederhäuser
The Lakers' next matchup will be against the Celtics at 6 p.m. PT. and games after that will be determined based on standing.