Lakers Sign Peter Suder After Impressive Workouts
LAS VEGAS — The Lakers were impressed by Peter Suder during his pre-draft workouts, particularly noting his basketball IQ, selflessness, and competitiveness.
This competitive spirit truly shone on March 6, when Suder and the Miami (Ohio) Redhawks had an undefeated regular season, positioning them to be one of the few unbeaten teams in Division I men’s basketball.
The final hurdle? A crucial road game against their in-state rival, the Ohio Bobcats, at the Convocation Center in Athens, Ohio.
Despite being named the 2026 MAC Player of the Year, Suder didn’t quite reach his peak performance. Still, he made pivotal plays, contributing five of his 13 points in overtime to secure the Redhawks’ undefeated regular-season championship, much to the displeasure of the 10,740-strong crowd.
“They were talking a lot of trash throughout the game,” Suder shared with the California Post.
What’s more, fans really showed their feelings. There was visible trash—some even thrown—like a rapper and a beer can.
Feelings ran high as the Ohio State fans expressed their discontent with the RedHawks, while Miami players, in turn, reveled in the chaos.
“When they threw trash at us, we eventually responded, and it just escalated from there,” Suder recalled to the Post.
His interaction with the fans gained quite a bit of attention when he waved goodbye to them with a not-so-friendly comment.
“Honestly, it was amazing, I won’t lie,” he divulged. “It was memorable.”
Trading in his red and white Miami jersey for the Lakers’ purple and gold after signing a two-way contract post-draft, Suder’s competitive nature remains evident. Even if he struggles to find his shooting rhythm during the Lakers’ Summer League, which continues with semifinals against the Warriors on Saturday, he still dives for loose balls and remains tenacious on the court.
Suder’s shooting hasn’t been as sharp as it was in college, managing just 33% overall and 22.2% from beyond the arc in six Summer League games. Last season, he shot 42.1% from the field with the RedHawks, a statistic he knows is crucial for his NBA success.
“For me, the top priority is to carve out a meaningful role in the NBA and play consistently. I really need to be hitting those three-pointers. It can make a world of difference,” he stated to the Post. “That’s how I can elevate my game and help my teammates as well. My competitive spirit, toughness, and unwillingness to back down were what they liked most about me.”
Aware of the “stereotype” he faces as a player, Suder is working on enhancing his lateral quickness to improve his defensive skills.
“In the NBA, I’m often seen as this 6-foot-4 or 6-foot-5 guy who’s a catch-and-shoot player,” he explained. “Teams typically find a favorable match-up and stick to it, which is something I need to change. I’m focusing on plyometrics to boost my speed, improve my mobility, and trim body fat.”
“Even a slight increase in speed can be a game-changer when it comes to successfully guarding quicker players,” he added.
The Summer League serves as Suder’s initiation into the tempo and conditions of the NBA compared to what he experienced in college.
“He’ll be taking on various roles,” summer league coach Ty Abbott mentioned. “He can handle the ball and needs to play with aggression and confidence. When opportunities arise, he should take the shot. His shooting and versatility are key—like a jack-of-all-trades,” he concluded.
