“LeBron James May have Just Gotten a New Ray Allen”: New Lakers Player Stuns Fans by Balling Out in Summer League Game

The Los Angeles Lakers struggled to establish their rhythm last season. LeBron James and crew were unable to get the job done as many roadblocks prevented them from making headway. One of them was their atrocious three-point shooting.

The Lakers’ shooting woes intensified last season, particularly in the second half. The players’ confidence dwindled as each shot bounced off the rim. They shot a disappointing 34.7 percent from beyond the arc as a team. The franchise will now have to make moves to install some snipers around LeBron James, who arguably continue to perform at an elite level.

That being said, they might be staring at one of those snipers who continues to impress with his three-point shooting in the Summer League.

Cole Swider has begun the initial stages of his professional journey in some fashion. He continues to spit fire from beyond the arc in the Summer League and might well be cementing himself as a long-term plan for the Lakers.

Swider has been able to put up points on the board, averaging 11.2 in four Summer League games. However, what impressed the most was his consistency from the three-point line. He sank 12 of 22 of his three-point attempts, as he continues to build upon his sharpshooter reputation.

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Despite the Lakers’ 104-84 loss to the Phoenix Suns in their most recent game, Cole Swider displayed flashes of brilliance. He scored 11 points while shooting 4-for-11 from the field. It was his shooting from beyond the arc that stood out, as he went 3-for-7.

Following drafting Max Christie with the 35th pick, the Lakers set their eyes to unearth hidden gems in the undrafted market. Following the signings of Scotty Pippen Jr. and Shareef O’Neal to two-way contracts, the Lakers seem to have struck gold when they acquired Swider.

Cole Swider has awed the spectators, with LeBron James potentially finding his new shooter

LeBron James was the sole bright spot for the Los Angeles Lakers last season, as he continued to perform despite their troubles. However, he did not have players of Swider’s profile around him. James may have just discovered his new shooter.

Swider has an underappreciated grip on the game, as he can shoot lights out from beyond the arc. During his collegiate years, the power forward sharpened his talents. He played three years for Villanova before transferring to Syracuse.

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In his final season at Syracuse, he averaged 13.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. But it was his shooting numbers that stood out. Swider shot 44% from the field and 41% from beyond the arc.

He has done nothing but impress fans as he intends to take the next big step in his career. The following are some of the comments from his highlight video against the Suns:

“LeBron James may have just gotten a new Ray Allen.”

“You need players like this on every roster.”

“Great form, looks like he can get to his shot even off an awkward pass, and can hit contested shots too. This is a great pick up for the Lakers if they keep him.”

“With maximum defence in his face is crazy once he starts he’s gonna torch the league if he keeps shooting like that mark my words.”

“That man shooting straight contesteds.”

“No hesitation Jumper is always a good sign.”

“If he’s decent on D they found a gem.”

“Dude can straight out shoot at 6’9 which is great team addition and needed in today’s NBA game set. Sign him.”

Do you think we will see Cole Swider playing alongside LeBron James for the Lakers next season? Let us know in the comments below.