LAS VEGAS — Cole Swider racked up a game-high 21 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 94-81 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA 2K26 Summer League on Saturday at Thomas & Mack Center.

As the Summer League team’s starting point guard, the Lakers want to see James be more assertive with his decision-making in crucial moments, according to assistant coach Lindsey Harding. Los Angeles wants to see James have the ball in his hands as much as possible, particularly in “tight moments.”

James sat near L.A. assistant Greg St. Jean for most of the third quarter and spoke with other members of the coaching staff in attendance.

The Los Angeles Lakers beat the New Orleans Pelicans to pick up their first win in the Las Vegas Summer League.

In Las Vegas, under the bright Summer League lights and the eyes of a buzzing crowd, a familiar presence settled into a courtside seat, LeBron James. But this time, he wasn’t there as an NBA superstar or Lakers leader.