The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for the upcoming Summer League following the 2025 NBA Draft and free agency period, with Bronny James leading a promising roster. The team will first compete in the California Classic at San Francisco’s Chase Center before moving on to the Las Vegas Summer League, featuring exciting matchups including a game against Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks.

Details on the Lakers’ Summer League Roster and Key Players

The Lakers’ Summer League lineup includes last year’s draft picks Bronny James and Dalton Knecht, both confirmed to participate. This year’s second-round selection, Adou Thiero, will not be playing due to a lingering knee injury but is expected to be ready for the fall training camp. To bolster the roster, Los Angeles signed undrafted free agents such as Eric Dixon, who secured a two-way contract.

Several players with NBA experience are also slated to join Summer League action. Cole Swider, a sharpshooter who initially signed a two-way deal with the Lakers in 2022 and returned to the Lakers organization via the G League late last season, will don the purple and gold. Darius Bazley, a former first-round pick with five years of NBA experience, is aiming to reestablish himself after playing last season in China.

Other contributors include DaJuan Gordon, Sir’Jabari Rice, and Trey Jemison, all with ties to the South Bay Lakers from last season. Jemison retains a two-way contract with the team. Additionally, rookies RJ Davis, Julian Reese, and Arthur Kaluma were brought on as undrafted free agents, each noted for their strong college performances.

The Lakers have extended a two-way qualifying offer to Christian Koloko, which he has yet to accept. Should he accept, Koloko would fill the third two-way roster slot. If not, that opening could be claimed by an impressive Summer League performer, providing ample motivation for all players to stand out during the event.

Absence of Draft Pick Adou Thiero and Recovery Outlook

Adou Thiero, drafted from Arkansas in the second round, will miss all Summer League games as he continues to recover from a college knee injury. The Lakers organization remains optimistic about his health, anticipating his availability for the upcoming training camp this fall despite his absence from summer play.

Upcoming Competitions and Their Importance for the Lakers

Los Angeles’ participation in the California Classic and the Las Vegas Summer League represents a crucial step for young talent like Bronny James and others to gain competitive experience. The matchups, especially against top rookies such as Cooper Flagg and established teams like the Dallas Mavericks, will offer valuable exposure and assessment opportunities. Performances during these events could significantly influence roster decisions and player roles for the regular season.