3 Most important Summer League Lakers offer glimpse into a JJ Redick future

The Los Angeles Lakers began the 2024 Summer League by losing five consecutive games. It was a disheartening display from a team that includes several players who could play a part in the Lakers' long-term plans at the highest level.

With Bronny James, Dalton Knecht, and surprise Summer League star Colin Castleton leading the charge, however, the Lakers are back on track.

Los Angeles has rebounded from its 0-5 start, including an 0-2 record to begin Las Vegas Summer League play, with back-to-back wins. It defeated the Atlanta Hawks 87-86 on July 17, and overcame the Cleveland Cavaliers by a score of 93-89 just 24 hours later.

At the heart of that success were the three most important players on the Lakers' Summer League roster—all of whom could have a role in head coach JJ Redick's rotation as soon as 2024-25.

That all begins without the breakout player from Los Angeles' Summer League efforts.

Colin Castleton

Castleton has been nothing short of sensational during the Lakers' Summer League games. He's been a double-double machine, producing five in seven outings, and has often emerged as the team's primary facilitator.

Los Angeles is running action through Castleton in the paint, at the top of the key, and even beyond the arc, with his passing taking center stage in Las Vegas.

Castleton erupted in the California Classic finale with 18 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, four blocks, two steals, and a three-point field goal made. It was the beginning of a ridiculous run, including the 17 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals he tallied against the Hawks.

Castleton then put up 12 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and a steal while shooting 6-of-6 at the free throw line in the win over Cleveland.

It's been a phenomenal summer for Castleton overall, as the big man has taken clear steps forward on both ends of the floor. Standing at 6'11" and 250 pounds with a 7'3.5" wingspan, he's using his length to dominate the glass and his remarkable court vision to find his offensive niche.

The Lakers need depth behind and alongside Anthony Davis at center. Castleton is making quite the case for a role in the rotation.

Bronny James

All eyes have been on Lakers rookie Bronny James during each game at Summer League. That includes opposing players looking to make their name at James' expense, which could account for how much he struggled early on to find his offensive form.

Over the past two games, James has begun to quiet his critics by putting forth, without question, the two best offensive performances of his Summer League stint thus far.

James scored 12 points, knocking down two three-point field goals, in the Lakers' 87-86 win over the Hawks. It was an impressive showing with Knecht out of the lineup, as James shot an effective 5-of-11 from the field and 2-of-5 from beyond the arc.

More importantly, he played with confidence that wasn't anywhere to be seen during his first five Summer League games and shot with fearlessness when space presented itself.

The next time out, James addressed the notion that it was a fluke performance head-on. He put up 13 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two blocks, shooting 5-of-10 from the field, in what may have been the most well-rounded performance he's had since high school.

James has even begun to create his own offense, including late in games, making the highlight reels and upside conversations more intriguing than ever.

Dalton Knecht

Selected at No. 17 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Dalton Knecht has faced immense pressure to perform at each Summer League event. James may have the spotlight on him, but Knecht is the player whom the Lakers are looking to for more short-term and even long-term value.

The reigning SEC Player of the Year has picked up where he left off in college, scoring in bunches and taking on the brunt of opposing defense's efforts along the way.

Knecht experienced some early shooting woes at the California Classic, but has kicked into gear in the five games since. He most recently dropped 20 points and seven rebounds in the win over the Cavaliers, with a 25-point performance already in his rearview.

Far more important than the statistics, however, is the fact that Knecht is continuing to show his three-level scoring ability and underrated defensive potential.

At 6'5" and 212 pounds with a 6'9" wingspan, Knecht moves effortlessly around the floor. He has the leaping ability to play above the rim, the strength and toughness to fight through contact, and the quickness to play the angles as well as any incoming rookie when on the drive.

If Knecht can parlay his Summer League success into a strong rookie season, the Lakers will be an entirely different team than they were a year ago.