Lakers News: 2 Fan Favorite Role Players Land 2-Way Contracts With New Teams

Your Los Angeles Lakers have seen a ton of talent come through the organization in recent years, and unfortunately, they haven't been able to hold onto all of it. LA has kept some of them, but a few of the players that they have let go have been fan favorites.

Two of those players recently signed two-way deals with their respective clubs, leading to some sadness from Lakers fans. One of which was forward Matt Ryan, who was recently claimed off waivers by the New Orleans Pelicans. He is now on a two-way contract with New Orleans for the remainder of the season, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

The New Orleans Pelicans are acquiring G/F Matt Ryan on a two-way contract off waivers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Ryan – 38.1 percent from 3-point range in 35 games last year – provides a wing shooter for Pelicans, who start season minus Trey Murphy and Naji Marshall.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 22, 2023

Many Lakers fans will remember Ryan for his game-tying three-pointer against the same Pelicans at the beginning of last season. The shot sent the game into overtime, and the Lakers ended up winning the classic game.

Ryan didn't last long with the Lakers, despite his shooting ability. But fans will always remember that moment for him.

The other player who signed a two-way deal was Cole Swider, who the Lakers let go of this summer. He signed with the Miami Heat and played well during the preseason, but his deal was converted into a two-way, Charania reports:

The Miami Heat are signing guard Dru Smith to a multiyear standard NBA contract and converting wing shooter Cole Swider on a two-way deal, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 21, 2023

Swider was thought to be a mainstay for the Lakers due to his strong three-point shooting abilities, but he couldn't provide anything else consistently. The Lakers realized that he couldn't give them what they needed, so they had to let him go.

He was a true fan favorite during his short time with the team, and hopefully, he can find success with Miami this year. Swider showed out for the Heat, and he feels like the perfect player for this Heat team.

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