Carr is expected to draw the biggest attention. In college, he delivered an average of 18.9 points per game for Baylor and shot 37.4 percent from beyond the arc. His combination of athleticism and shooting makes him a focal point for the Lakers’ Summer League plans as he transitions to the pro game and begins to carve out a path within the team’s system.
Thiero provides another intriguing developmental profile. The 2025 second-round pick is known for his size, power, and finishing ability around the rim. While his rookie NBA minutes were limited, his physical tools and potential in transition keep him on the Lakers’ radar as a long-term project worth evaluating in a Summer League environment.
Okereke and Suder also stand out due to their two-way contract status. Okereke, a forward from Vanderbilt, connected on 40 percent of his three-pointers last season, signaling valuable shooting potential for the Lakers’ offense. Suder, who earned MAC Player of the Year honors at Miami (Ohio), posted solid numbers with an average of 14.8 points per game and a 42 percent clip from deep, underscoring his shooting reliability as a capable floor-spacer.
Among the undrafted players, Robbie Avila has generated particular attention. The former Saint Louis big man arrived on the national radar as a standout passer and shooter in the frontcourt, posting averages of 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 41 percent from three-point range last season. His versatility could help him stand out in the Summer League crowd.
William Kyle III brings a classic rim-running big presence to the floor. The former Syracuse center averaged 8.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, shooting an efficient 66.1 percent from the field. His defensive center profile could be valuable in short bursts during Summer League play.
Beyond the headline players, several undrafted talents will vie for extended looks. Chase Ross, Robert McCray V, and Jacari White bring a mix of perimeter defense, scoring punch, and shooting efficiency. Ross is known for defensive intensity with a track record of steals, McCray can provide scoring punch, and White shoots it well from long range, offering a versatile trio to balance the squad.
The rest of the confirmed roster includes Jon Elmore, Luke Goode, William Hickey, Arthur Kaluma, Zhaire Smith, Anton Watson, and Chris Mañón. Elmore adds experience at the guard position, Goode brings shooting and size, Kaluma offers forward versatility with college production, Smith provides a veteran’s hope for revival after a challenging NBA journey, and Watson, a former Gonzaga standout, adds familiarity with NBA-caliber systems through prior stints with teams such as the Celtics and Knicks.
Summer League is viewed as a crucial developmental stage for the Lakers. While wins are valued, the primary objective is to identify players who can contribute as depth pieces in the near term or earn opportunities in training camp and the G League. Carr and Thiero are the long-term bets, with Okereke and Suder already holding two-way relevance. The other players—Avila, Kyle, Ross, McCray, White, and the rest—are swing players whose performances over the summer could tip the scales in favor of longer looks with the organization.
The Lakers’ Summer League schedule begins with the California Classic in San Francisco and Sacramento. The team opens against the Golden State Warriors on Friday, July 3, at 7:30 p.m. Pacific Time. They will then face the Miami Heat on Sunday, July 5, at 1:30 p.m. PT, followed by a July 6 matchup with the San Antonio Spurs at 4:30 p.m. PT. The California Classic runs from July 3 through July 6, with games hosted at Chase Center and Golden 1 Center.
Following the California Classic, Los Angeles shifts to Las Vegas for four additional games. The Lakers will play the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday, July 10, at 7:00 p.m. PT (televised on Prime). On Saturday, July 11, they take on the Dallas Mavericks at 7:00 p.m. PT (televised on ESPN). The schedule continues with a July 14 game against the LA Clippers at 7:00 p.m. PT (Prime) and a July 16 contest versus the Chicago Bulls at 3:00 p.m. PT (Prime).
As the Lakers prepare for the Summer League, the focus remains on evaluating emerging talents who can contribute to the organization in the months and years ahead. The roster combines high-upside prospects with proven basketball IQ and shooting ability, offering a well-rounded group that could help shape the Lakers’ future depth and development strategy. Fans will be watching closely to see which players seize their opportunities and how the team’s evolving pipeline translates into on-court performance throughout the summer and beyond.
