5 Best individual performances from Lakers Summer League 2024
The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2024 Summer League with six players on the roster who are currently under contract. It set a high standard for the team, as head coach JJ Redick was given an early opportunity to evaluate the talent on hand.
After losing five consecutive games to open Summer League, Los Angeles finally got back on track by winning three straight to close things out and reroute the momentum.
2024 first-round draft pick Dalton Knecht was the star inclusion on the roster, with second-round selection Bronny James generating immense hype of his own. Joining them were three players signed to two-way contracts: Colin Castleton, Blake Hinson, and Armel Traore.
Throw in 2023 second-round draft pick Maxwell Lewis, and the Lakers had every reason to value Summer League performances.
With a 3-5 record through eight games, it was a mixed bag of team results. Several players took Summer League as an opportunity to showcase their potential, however, including two players who stood out from the pack as the best individual performers.
That all began on July 10, when Castleton set the pace for what would be an incredible stretch from an individual perspective.
Colin Castleton vs. Miami Heat, July 10
The July 10 encounter with the Miami Heat marked the beginning of an extraordinary Summer League for Colin Castleton. The breakout star for the Lakers in both San Francisco and Las Vegas, Castleton was a dominant force on the boards and a revelation as a facilitator.
The July 10 clash with the Heat put that on display when Castleton tallied 18 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, four blocks, and two steals on 7-of-13 shooting.
Castleton is entering his second season with the Lakers after recently signing a two-way contract. As such, Summer League was an extraordinary opportunity for the former Florida Gators star to make a statement about how ready he is to crack an NBA rotation.
Against Miami, Castleton was nothing short of dominant, contributing in every phase of the game and even knocking down a three-point field goal.
It was one of five double-doubles from Castleton during Summer League action. A case could be made that it wasn't even his best game, however, which goes to show just how great he was for the purple and gold between the California Classic and Las Vegas event.
The Lakers have a void behind Anthony Davis at center, and Castleton is looking like the player who could step up and fill it this season.