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3 young players Lakers should develop, 2 to give up on

By Jason Reed

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 12: Jordan Walsh #27 of the Boston Celtics shoots against Cole Swider #20 of the LA Lakers in the first half of a 2023 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 12, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Celtics defeat the Lakers 95-90. (Photo by Louis Grasse/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 12: Jordan Walsh #27 of the Boston Celtics shoots against Cole Swider #20 of the LA Lakers in the first half of a 2023 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 12, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Celtics defeat the Lakers 95-90. (Photo by Louis Grasse/Getty Images) /
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Lakers Colin Castleton
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

The Lakers should continue to develop Colin Castleton

Outside of Hodge, the new face that has gotten the most attention during Lakers Summer League is big man Colin Castleton. Castleton was also brought in as an undrafted free agent and looks like he can contribute to an NBA rotation as early as his rookie season.

Combine this with the fact that the Lakers are in need of another center and many fans are penciling Castleton in to be on the roster next season. While that all seems great, it would be better for all parties if Castleton spends most of his time next season in the G League.

Los Angeles is looking for a big that has a different skillset from Jaxson Hayes and can shoot the basketball. Castleton does not provide that as he is a traditional rim-protecting and rebounding big. He wouldn’t offer anything that Hayes doesn’t already offer.

Plus, it would be more beneficial to Castleton to actually get minutes in the G League rather than be with the pro club only to play 8-10 minutes a game, at most. The Lakers have to be patient and take more of a long-term approach with Castleton.

That being said, the development plan should be very meticulous and should be gearing Castleton up to be with the main NBA team next season to replace Hayes in the rotation.

Next. 22 players the Lakers gave up on too early. dark

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