The Los Angeles Lakers have spent the duration of the offseason investing in the future. The Lakers selected Dalton Knecht and Bronny James at the 2024 NBA Draft, re-signed Max Christie to a four-year deal, and have handed out two-way contracts to a slew of intriguing prospects.
Chief among the two-way players is Colin Castleton, who is back with Los Angeles for a second season and is already making a splash at the 2024 Summer League.
Castleton, 24, was named All-SEC in three consecutive seasons during his tremendous tenure with the Florida Gators. He went undrafted as a 23-year-old incoming rookie in 2023, however, and thus began his Lakers career after signing a two-way contract with the team.
Castleton appeared in just 16 games with the Lakers as a rookie, but it's clear that he's made a positive impression on Rob Pelinka and, perhaps, JJ Redick.
It's easy to see why Los Angeles is so interested in what Castleton could ultimately become. Standing at 6'11" without shoes and 250 pounds with a gigantic 7'3.5" wingspan and 9'2.5" standing reach, Castleton is a giant among NBA players.
He put his size to good use at the collegiate level, averaging 16.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 3.0 blocks per game during his senior season.
Colin Castleton is putting it all together at Summer League
At Summer League, those flashes of brilliance have returned. More importantly, he's addressed the concerns about his aversion to physicality by making drastic improvements to his rebounding strategy and production.
In turn, Castleton has established himself as a potential rotational fit for a Lakers team that's currently thin at the center position.
Castleton recorded a double-double in four consecutive Summer League games to begin his productive offseason. That includes his eruption against the Miami Heat, when he tallied 18 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, four blocks, two steals, and even a three-point field goal.
It was a captivating showing from a player who displayed the willingness to get physical down low, create for others from various spots, and protect the rim.
Castleton continues to play well in Las Vegas, putting up 10 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in the opener against the Houston Rockets. He produced eight points, eight boards, and three assists against the Boston Celtics.
It's been the perfect balance of working to improve his current weaknesses and excelling in an area that could earn him a consistent role on offense.
By crashing the boards and protecting the rim, Castleton is invalidating concerns about his inability to handle the pace and physicality of the NBA game. Perhaps even more impressive, however, is how he's so comfortably come to the perimeter to create for others as a passer.
If Castleton can continue to play at this level, rebounding with purpose and facilitating with patience, the Lakers may have reason to make him a more permanent part of their NBA rotation.