Summer League proves depth can be a strength for the Lakers in 2024-25

The Los Angeles Lakers have concluded the 2024 Summer League on a high note. After starting things off with five consecutive losses, Los Angeles managed to secure three straight wins to right the ship and change the tone of the entire event.

It was a promising display from an organization that seems to be going all-in on its youth movement ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Los Angeles sent six players who are currently under contract to the two Summer League events it competed in. The headlining players were 2024 draft picks Dalton Knecht and Bronny James, with 2023 second-round selection Maxwell Lewis adding another layer of intrigue.

In addition to the drafted trio, Colin Castleton, Blake Hinson, and Armel Traore all signed two-way contracts before joining the Summer League squad.

As such, the Lakers had more to gain at Summer League than the average franchise. Each of those six players, as well as several other roster hopefuls, were presented with the opportunity to make an early impression on head coach JJ Redick as he begins to formulate his 2024-25 rotations.

If Summer League has proven anything, it's that Redick will have more depth to work with than previously expected.

Lakers youth movement producing short-term and long-term value

Knecht entered Summer League with the most pressure to perform as a first-round draft pick who unexpectedly fell to the Lakers at No. 17 overall. He was previously projected as a top-10 pick after winning the 2024 SEC Player of the Year award and ranking in the top 10 in the country in scoring.

Knecht delivered an early look at his potential, dropping 25 points against the Houston Rockets and exceeding or flirting with 20 almost every time out.

Beyond the numbers, Knecht proved to be the player that Lakers fans were hoping he'd be. He scored at all three levels, using his handle to create against physical defense, finishing with both hands under and above the rim, and shooting with range and precision from midrange and beyond the arc.

Knecht also spoke about how Redick has instructed him to move more when the ball isn't in his hands, thus potentially revealing what his role may consist of as a rookie.

Beyond James, Castleton showed immediate upside that could fit one of Los Angeles' most glaring needs. Redick has candidly gone on record to say that the Lakers need to improve at center, which could make Castleton, the Lakers' Summer League breakout star, a perfect fit.

Standing at 6'11" and 250 pounds with a 7'3.5" wingspan, Castleton dominated the glass at Summer League and even showed a Boris Diaw style of prowess as a high-post and perimeter passer.

Hinson, James and Traore are more likely to start the season in the G League, but all three have upside worth exploring. Hinson is a lights-out shooter on a team that ranked No. 24 in three-point field goals made, James has 3-and-D potential of his own, and Traore is an explosive athlete at the 4.

The Lakers clearly need their veterans to step up this season, but the youth movement is strong enough that Redick could receive valuable minutes from the unproven commodities.