Lakers Sign Jahmir Young, Waive Cole Swider
The Los Angeles Lakers have signed Jahmir Young to an Exhibit 10 contract and waived forward Cole Swider.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Basketball
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The Los Angeles Lakers added guard Jahmir Young to their training camp roster on a non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 contract. To accommodate the new signing, the team released forward Cole Swider.
Why it matters
The organization is currently evaluating additional backcourt depth as they prepare to finalize their roster before the upcoming league deadline.
Jahmir Young recorded 26.0 points, 8.9 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game last season in the G League. Cole Swider, who was waived, scored nine points in his final appearance against the Golden State Warriors.
The players
Jahmir Young
He is a professional basketball player who previously played in the G League.
Cole Swider
He is a professional basketball player who has spent time as a forward in the NBA.
Los Angeles Lakers
This is a professional basketball team competing in the National Basketball Association.
The details
The Lakers utilized the roster move to secure Young, whose G League rights were previously acquired by the organization's Coachella Valley affiliate in September. Swider, a 6-foot-8 forward, was released following three preseason appearances with the team.
Timeline
In June 2026, the Miami Heat declined a $2.41 million team option for Jahmir Young.
In September 2026, the Coachella Valley G League affiliate acquired Young's returning-player rights.
On October 6, 2026, Cole Swider scored nine points against the Golden State Warriors.
On October 14, 2026, the Lakers signed Young and waived Swider.
On October 19, 2026, the NBA roster deadline will take place.
Season Trajectory
This roster adjustment reflects the high-stakes evaluation period teams face as they refine their bench depth for the regular season. These moves are critical for teams attempting to balance veteran presence with developmental talent before final league deadlines.
Jahmir Young will likely join the Coachella Valley G League affiliate if he does not secure an active NBA roster spot. The release of Cole Swider confirms he will not be part of the immediate rotation for the upcoming season.
The takeaway
Roster fluidity is a constant reality for NBA teams navigating training camp requirements and salary cap constraints. Players on non-guaranteed deals often cycle through organizations as teams search for the best fit for their final rotation.
What happens next
The Los Angeles Lakers must finalize their official roster by the NBA deadline on October 19, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on team rosters and player development, visit the Los Angeles Basketball page.
Live Poll
Do you support the Lakers' decision to prioritize young developmental players over established roster depth?
