Cole Swider Joins Miami Heat: Former Lakers Player Aims for Roster Spot

When Cole Swider, who played as a two-way small forward for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2022-23 season, found himself without a spot in the team’s three two-way slots for the 2023-24 season, he swiftly altered his course. Swider signed a training camp contract with the reigning Eastern Conference champions, the Miami Heat.

In the previous season, the 24-year-old Swider had limited appearances, featuring in only seven games with the main Lakers roster. However, he had a more significant role with the Lakers’ NBA G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, located in El Segundo. Over the course of 27 games, including 19 starts, Swider showcased his skills, averaging an impressive 17.1 points per game. His shooting percentages were equally remarkable, with .506 from the field, .436 from beyond the arc, and .838 from the free-throw line. Alongside his scoring prowess, Swider contributed 4.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 0.8 steals per game.

Now standing at an imposing 6 feet 9 inches, Swider, a product of Syracuse University, is banking on his sharpshooting abilities to secure a coveted spot on the Miami Heat’s roster following the conclusion of their training camp. This move comes as Swider seeks to make his mark in the upcoming season, as reported by Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel.

Swider’s decision to transition to the Miami Heat marks a significant shift in his career trajectory. After his stint with the Lakers, he is determined to embrace new opportunities and prove his worth in the highly competitive world of professional basketball.

The Miami Heat, led by their seasoned coaching staff and a roster of talented players, offer Swider a fresh start and a chance to make a lasting impact on the court. With his impressive shooting skills, Swider could become a valuable asset for the Heat, contributing to their pursuit of success in the Eastern Conference.

As the 2023-24 season approaches, all eyes will be on Cole Swider as he battles for a spot on the Miami Heat’s roster. His journey from the Lakers to the Heat exemplifies the resilience and determination of athletes in the ever-evolving world of sports. Stay tuned for updates on Swider’s progress as he seeks to make his mark in the NBA with his new team.

“It was a big part of my decision-making process,” Swider explained. “There were a lot of teams that were interested. And a lot of ’em were interested in the same thing the Heat were interested in, an Exhibit 10 (tryout contract) and the opportunity to earn a two-way or a roster spot. But the success with the Heat with those guys gave me an easy decision, in terms of they’re going to give you a real opportunity in training camp, they’re going to give you real opportunities to get on the floor and play through mistakes and make the team.”

“Because of the type of guys like me in the past, they know how to use guys like me,” he said. “When I do something in pickup that looks like [undrafted Heat finds] Duncan [Robinson] or Max [Strus] or Gabe [Vincent], they know how to use me in a game. It’s not like, ‘Oh, this only works in pickup.’”

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