The 2024 Summer League appeared to reveal elements of what the future will hold for the Los Angeles Lakers. Bronny James and Dalton Knecht produced show-stealing performances, each offering reason for optimism to a Lakers team otherwise devoid of building blocks under 25.
Colin Castleton thrived right alongside them, and after a year away from the franchise, could be the 2025 offseason steal they need to improve the quality at center.
Castleton spent the 2024-25 season with multiple franchises, amassing 26 NBA appearances along the way. While that may not position him to play major minutes in 2025-26, he's a well-rounded talent who could provide much-needed depth at a key position—or, at the very least, make the most of a training camp invite.
That became a viable option for the Lakers to consider when the Toronto Raptors waived the big man on July 29.
The Toronto Raptors have waived center Colin Castleton. The 25-year-old center averaged 7.2 points on 50% shooting from the field and 6.9 rebounds in 26 minutes during 11 games played, including four starts, for Toronto last season.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 28, 2025
The hurdle in place is the fact that the Orlando Magic currently hold Castleton's G League rights, thus complicating the manner in which he could be acquired.
Castleton was on a non-guaranteed deal.
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) July 28, 2025
This opens up a summer/camp spot for one of the Exhibit 10s who I've reported but haven't officially signed.
Magic hold Castleton's G League rights.
Nevertheless, Los Angeles would be wise to at least kick the tires on Castleton and potentially land a player who can develop into an ideal backup.
Lakers should seriously consider reuniting with Colin Castleton
Castleton, 25, is a 6'10" and 250-pound center with a massive 7'4" wingspan and an intriguing skill set. He's willing and able to receive the ball from virtually any angle on the court and utilize his passing ability to set teammates up as shooters or slashing scorers.
Castleton may not be the next Nikola Jokic, but that invaluable skill could prove beneficial for a Lakers side in need of offense via the second unit.
Furthermore, Castleton is a strong offensive rebounder who doesn't seem to shy away from physicality. In 2024-25, he pulled down 4.4 offensive rebounds per 36 minutes, and has the tools to translate that production to a larger sample size of games.
In all, Castleton's production translated to 10.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.4 offensive boards, and 2.3 assists per 36 minutes this past season.
If the Lakers were able to acquire Castleton's G League rights, they would create a new look to what's currently brewing with the South Bay side. He's more of an offensively-inclined big, which would offer invaluable balance alongside defensive specialist Christian Koloko.
At the very least, the competition for minutes in the G League between players with differing skill sets could yield improvement from both players in their respective areas of weakness.
It's the type of late-offseason addition that may not transform the roster overnight, but could prove invaluable long term. Koloko needs to find his footing on the offensive end of the floor, while Castleton is the ideal development on defense away from a steady NBA role.
If the Lakers find a way to add Castleton to their training camp roster and potentially bring him into the fold in the G League, the benefits could prove significant.