The LA Lakers have a number of interesting names trying to make an impression at Summer League.
Through name value alone, Bronny James is commanding attention for the LA Lakers at Summer League in 2025 just like he did in 2024.
This time he is more settled, more confident, and earning plaudits. And he is not the only one. Cole Swider’s prolific scoring has Lakers fans abuzz, wondering what his potential might be.
Another intriguing name is Darius Bazley, a former first round draft pick with the Utah Jazz in 2019, but traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Darius Bazley helped the LA Lakers to a convincing 94-81 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on July 12.
Bazley contributed a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. He added four assists, and notably, five blocks.
Cole Swider also had a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds – but he did not have any blocks at the defensive end.
Bazley’s standout performance drew praise from Lakers’ Summer League coach Lindsey Harding.
Harding told Lakers Nation that she is very impressed with his do it all defensive ability.
She said: “Bazley is an amazing defender. He can guard on ball, he can guard point guard, he can guard the center.
“He does a great job off the ball. Sometimes defenders are great on the ball and not off the ball and vice versa, he can do all that.
“He’s long, we need him for every position and they were huge blocks.”
Darius Bazley has NBA experience with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz. He even played in seven playoff games with OKC.
But his career trailed off and he had a spell playing in China last season, and hopes to reset his career this summer.
He told Lakers Nation: “I’m on a mission to revamp my career, just prove I belong out there, that I can help the team win, contribute to winning. It’s been fun in that aspect.”
Asked about what he was hoping to show the Lakers and the 29 other teams who may be watching, Bazley said he wanted his development to be noticeable.
“If they pick me up, I can defend at a high level, I can knock down shots, I been taking strides in my shot.
“My growth as a player, being more decisive, connecting more on the offense.”
