Lakers Announce Summer League Roster: Bronny James, Dalton Knecht Lead the Way

Los Angeles, CA — The 2025 NBA Draft and the opening frenzy of free agency have officially passed, and that means all eyes now shift to the next big event on the offseason calendar: Summer League. For the Los Angeles Lakers, this stretch will be a crucial glimpse into the team’s youth movement and player development, particularly as the front office works to retool the roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

As expected, the Lakers will begin their summer schedule at the California Classic in San Francisco, hosted at Chase Center, before heading to Las Vegas for the annual NBA Summer League. And fans won’t have to wait long for marquee matchups—Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks, headlines L.A.’s first game in Vegas in what promises to be a must-watch contest.

But while the Lakers’ Summer League roster is stacked with intriguing young talent, one name is notably missing: second-round pick Adou Thiero will sit out the entire Summer League due to lingering effects from a knee injury suffered in college.

Thiero Out, But Optimism Remains

The Lakers selected Adou Thiero in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft out of Arkansas, a versatile wing known for his length, athleticism, and defensive potential. However, according to team officials, the knee injury that hampered his final collegiate season hasn’t fully healed, and the organization has made the decision to hold him out entirely to ensure he’s healthy for training camp this fall.

“We want Adou to be 100 percent,” a Lakers spokesperson said. “The focus is on long-term development.”

While it’s disappointing that fans won’t get a first look at Thiero this summer, the Lakers still have plenty of talent to showcase—and perhaps even more competition for open roster spots.

Bronny James and Dalton Knecht Set to Lead

Among the most high-profile names on this year’s Summer League squad are Bronny James and Dalton Knecht, the team’s 2024 draft picks. Both are confirmed to play and expected to play major roles throughout the California Classic and Las Vegas tournament.

• Bronny James enters his sophomore Summer League with added attention, especially after a solid rookie year in the G League. He’ll be watched closely by scouts and media alike, as questions continue to swirl about his potential NBA trajectory.

• Dalton Knecht, the No. 17 overall pick in 2024, is coming off a promising rookie season in which he averaged 9.1 points per game and shot 37.6% from deep. Now with a year of NBA experience, Knecht is expected to anchor the offense and continue to develop as a potential sixth man or starter.

New Faces, Familiar Stories

The Lakers also welcomed a wave of undrafted free agents following this year’s draft, several of whom will be looking to secure two-way contracts or training camp invites. Standout names include:

• Eric Dixon, a Villanova product, who has already signed a two-way contract.

• RJ Davis, Julian Reese, and Arthur Kaluma, all standout college stars looking to prove they belong at the next level.

Returning G League players DaJuan Gordon, Sir’Jabari Rice, and Trey Jemison—the latter still on a two-way deal—also bring familiarity and toughness to this year’s team. Jemison, in particular, will look to build off a strong G League season as he competes for a potential backup center role.

Cole Swider and Darius Bazley: Redemption Runs

Two of the most experienced players on the Lakers’ Summer League roster are Cole Swider and Darius Bazley—both of whom are looking to resurrect their NBA careers.

• Swider, a sharpshooting forward, originally signed with the Lakers as a two-way player in 2022. After a brief stint away, he found his way back to the organization through the South Bay Lakers late last season. Now, he’s aiming to earn a main roster spot as a floor spacer.

• Darius Bazley, a former first-round pick, last played in the NBA before spending the 2024-25 season in China. With five years of NBA experience, Bazley brings defensive versatility and a chip on his shoulder.

Christian Koloko’s Two-Way Decision Looms

The Lakers also extended a two-way qualifying offer to big man Christian Koloko, though he has yet to accept it. If he does, he’ll occupy the third and final two-way slot alongside Eric Dixon and Trey Jemison.

However, if Koloko turns down the offer or signs elsewhere, a two-way spot could be up for grabs—a huge incentive for the Summer League hopefuls looking to break into the league.

“Every game matters,” said Lakers Summer League coach Miles Simon. “For some of these guys, it’s their best shot to make an NBA roster.”

Full Summer League Roster Breakdown

Here’s a look at some of the key players suiting up for the Lakers Summer League team this year:

• Bronny James – Guard, 2024 second-round pick

• Dalton Knecht – Guard, 2024 first-round pick

• Eric Dixon – Forward, undrafted, two-way contract

• Cole Swider – Forward, returning G League sharpshooter

• Darius Bazley – Forward, ex-NBA vet

• Trey Jemison – Center, two-way holdover

• DaJuan Gordon, Sir’Jabari Rice – G League returnees

• RJ Davis, Arthur Kaluma, Julian Reese – Undrafted rookies

• Jake LaRavia – New free agent signee from Sacramento (availability TBD)

Exciting Matchups Ahead

The Lakers’ Summer League schedule features some can’t-miss games, including their Las Vegas opener against Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks—one of the most anticipated matchups of the summer.

These games are more than just warmups—they’re auditions, developmental stepping stones, and potentially career-defining moments.

Final Thoughts: All Eyes on Vegas

Though Adou Thiero will miss out on the action, the 2025 Lakers Summer League squad still has plenty of intrigue. With young talent, veteran redemption stories, and roster spots on the line, this summer may be one of the most competitive for the purple and gold in years.

Whether it’s Bronny’s growth, Knecht’s breakout, or a surprise name stepping up, Lakers fans have plenty to look forward to in San Francisco and Las Vegas.