5 Summer League players who are justifying Lakers investment in their upside

Colin Castleton

Colin Castleton will be returning to the Los Angeles Lakers on a second consecutive two-way contract. With the Lakers clearly lacking depth at center, opportunity exists for the former Florida Gators star to carve out a role for himself.

Summer League has been a great opportunity for Castleton to prove he's ready, and he's taken advantage of the spotlight being available.

Castleton posted double-doubles in all three California Classic games, finishing the event with 18 points, 11 rebounds, four blocks, and two steals against the Miami Heat. He extended his streak to four straight double-doubles with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks in the Las Vegas opener.

The streak ended when Castleton tallied eight points, eight rebounds, and three assists against the Boston Celtics, which was hardly a bad performance.

Castleton could stand to expand his offensive arsenal, but he's already showing the ability to come out to the perimeter and set screens or even initiate offense. He's also a rebounding machine who could become a high-quality defender if he can sustain intensity around the rim.

Castleton will have every opportunity to earn a bigger role in 2024-25, with a two-way contract permitting an eventual transition to JJ Redick's rotation.