The 2023 NBA Summer League is in the books, and it gave a number of players the opportunity to flash their potential and possibly earn a spot in the association.
The Los Angeles Lakers had a mix of can’t-miss players, prospects looking to get some playing time and those fighting for a spot somewhere in the league.
Forward Maxwell Lewis was the No. 40 pick in June’s draft by the Lakers, and he appears to have serious potential as a 3-and-D wing. Shortly after summer league play began, they moved quickly to sign him to a three-year contract.
Reporting on second-round pick Maxwell Lewis' 4-year contract with the Lakers, per sources:
First two years are fully guaranteed with salaries around $1.1 million for 2023-24 and $1.4 million for 2024-25.
Partially guaranteed ($100K) for 2025-26 and a team option for 2026-27.
— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) July 9, 2023
Lewis was very quiet for most of summer league
At 6-foot-7 and 205 pounds, Lewis, who played his college ball at Pepperdine University, is a strong athletic specimen. He has a seven-foot wingspan and a 36.5-inch vertical leap, and he showed some potential to be a knockdown 3-point shooter while also attacking close-outs in college.
However, for most of summer league play, he was very quiet and even passive. All too often, he merely stood in the corner near the 3-point line rather than moving around and looking for opportunities to get open.
But there were times when he flashed his potential. He shot 5-of-9 while making both of his 3-point attempts and scored 12 points in 20 minutes on July 9 versus the Charlotte Hornets, and he also provided some exciting highlight dunks.
Maxwell Lewis! pic.twitter.com/3Bs68bgaI1
— Raj C. (@RajChipalu) July 15, 2023
Maxwell Lewis a guy i'm confident will pop next to better players. Guys fly at him and he's got such a good feel attacking closeouts. pic.twitter.com/NDqqtCcGVq
— Raj C. (@RajChipalu) July 13, 2023
At this point, it’s hard to imagine Lewis getting anything more than a bit of playing time in garbage time this coming season. An extended stretch in the G League may be what he needs, much like how Max Christie spent time there this past season.
But there is no doubt Lewis is a beautiful wet ball of clay just waiting to be molded into a piece of art.
Final Grade: C-minus
