2022 Los Angeles Lakers Summer League: Roster, schedule, TV channel, live stream, players to watch

Last season did not go to the Lakers plan. They spent the first few months hovering around 0.500, before finally the bill for injuries and poor roster construction. After the All-Star break, they went 6-18 and didn’t even qualify for the playoff tournament.

Whether they can avoid a repeat next season will largely depend on whether they are able to get Russell Westbrook to trade Kyrie Irving – something they have been discussing with the Brooklyn Nets, but the deal will be difficult to complete. The first was a terrible bout from the first day he arrived in Los Angeles, and trading rotations and picks for him just didn’t make sense. However, through blind luck, the Lakers may be saved now that the Nets’ situation has collapsed.

With the front office still working behind the scenes to come up with a potential solution to Westbrook’s situation, the coaching staff and player development staff have already returned to the field for the summer league. While the Lakers haven’t had a first-round pick this year, you never know who might be surprised in the summer — just look at Austin Reeves.

The Lakers compete in the California Classic and Las Vegas this year. Here’s a look at everything you need to know:

Lakers summer league schedule

All games can be streamed on NBA TV, ESPN and ESPN 2 directly fuboTV (try for free).

California Classic

Las vigas

existing

players to watch

• Max Christie: The Lakers didn’t have any first-round picks this year, but they traded in a second-round pick and used it to take Kristi out of Michigan State. He was a former five-star recruit, but struggled at times during his only season in college. The tools are there for him to be a potential 3D guy, which the Lakers could really use, but it’s likely to be a very big project to be a serious contributor to next season.
• Scottie Pippen Jr.: Yes, this is the son of former Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen. After a few years in college at Vanderbilt, the younger Pippen went without drafting this year, but he quickly signed a two-way deal with the Lakers, suggesting they had some real hopes for him. He’s a versatile goalkeeper who can create his own shot and has good defensive instincts, but he’s only a little smaller than 6ft.
• Cole Swider: Swider played sparingly during his first three seasons at Villanova, and moved to Syracuse in his first season in search of a bigger role. That proved to be a wise move, as he impressed enough to earn a two-way contract with the Lakers despite his lack of presence. He’s a 6-foot-9 striker who can really shoot the ball (41.1 percent in six attempts per game as a senior player) and played well in his first two games at the California Classic. Although he may not have a famous name, he has NBA readiness skills and is one to watch this summer.
• Mac McClung: After coming out without drafting in 2021, McClung spent time with the Bulls and Lakers on 10-day contracts, but only made two NBA games. He did stellar in the G League last season, though, taking home the G League Rookie of the year after averaging 21.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 7.6 assists, while firing 37.7% from a three-point ground. That honor isn’t necessarily a guarantee of NBA success, but it’s more than enough to earn him another look.
• Sheriff O’Neill: We have to mention the fact that Shaquille O’Neal’s son plays for the Lakers summer team, but the truth is, it’s hard to imagine him making a roster. He earned a DNP – Coach’s Decision in the Lakers’ second game of the California Classic.