The California Classic Summer League is officially cooking — and if you blinked, you probably missed a few breakout performances, surprise contracts, and some real chaos in the best way possible. Let’s break it all down.
🔥 Cole Swider Goes Off (Again)
Cole Swider dropped another efficient performance for the Lakers — 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting, showcasing that smooth mid-range game. That’s two straight games at 70%+ from the field. For a guy who’s bounced around since 2022, this kind of consistency might just earn him a regular season spot.
🧨 BRONNY DELIVERS
Bronny James scored 10 points in just 11 minutes, draining two threes and giving Lakers fans a glimpse of what might be. In a game where LA blew out Miami 103-83, Bronny’s efficiency and defensive pressure stood out.
Oh — and this isn’t just hype. Bronny is showing real poise out there. He’s becoming more than just LeBron’s son.
💥 Kel’el Ware’s Poster Dunk Set the Tone
The video that started it all? Kel’el Ware baptizing a Lakers defender with a MONSTER dunk. That clip is already flying across platforms — if you haven’t seen it, you’ve been living under a rim.
🪄 David Jones-Garcia and LJ Cryer Cook for Spurs
Jones-Garcia had a game-high 25 points on 9-for-14 shooting vs. the Warriors. Cryer added 5 threes and 19 points, proving he’s got that microwave badge IRL. Spurs edged the Warriors 90-88 in a thriller.
🔁 Roster Moves Heating Up
- Ryan Rollins re-signs with the Bucks on a 3-year, $12M deal. That’s a win for consistency — from a two-way to a guaranteed payday.
- Jonas Valanciunas is staying in Denver — despite interest from Panathinaikos. The Nuggets see him as a key Jokic backup and occasional big lineup weapon.
😬 Dalton Knecht Struggling…
The highly hyped rookie is now 5-of-20 across two games. It’s early — but not ideal. Fans are hoping this is just a cold start and not a long-term worry.
🤔 What’s Next?
No new updates on the Damian Lillard-to-Lakers rumors. And Bradley Beal still hasn’t reached a buyout with the Suns. For now, the summer soap opera continues…
This Summer League is turning into a movie — and we’re only getting started.
👀 Who’s impressed you the most so far?
🧠 Stay tuned, because tomorrow’s wrap-up is already shaping up to be crazy.
