Lakers News: Insider Impressed By Two-Way Big's Summer League Play

Could we see him with the Lakers this season?

The Lakers have a clear need for another big man on their roster. They brought on former New Orleans Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes but even with Hayes, their frontcourt looks a little thin. Anthony Davis is still there but after that, it gets a bit murky. The team has signaled that they want to use their 14th and possibly 15th roster spots on big men to round out the rotations.

The only issue is that the free agent center market is incredibly weak and the team only has slightly above the veteran minimum to use. This creates a potential dilemma for the Lakers and it causing them to wait to see if anything else becomes available.

However, one option for the team could already be on the roster and that is two-way center Colin Castleton out of The University of Florida. Castleton joined LA after going undrafted in last months NBA Draft and he has been putting on a show in the NBA summer league.

In the teams summer league finale on Sunday, Castleton put up 13 points, grabbed 14 rebounds and dished out six assists. It was another solid showing from the rookie as he looks to potentially earn a rotation spot with the Lakers this season.

Robert Marvi of Yahoo Sports was impressed with Castleton and named him as one of the biggest takeaways of the game.

“He has shown potential as a facilitator from the high post and off the pick-and-roll as the roll man. He also appears to have a decent jump hook in the low post. Castleton was signed recently by the Lakers to a two-way contract. He could be an interesting prospect to watch this fall and winter.”

Per Yahoo Sports

It remains to be seen if Castleton will indeed join the Lakers this season but his performance in the summer league could get him the chance at least. He has showed a soft touch around the basket and strong passing skills for a big man. It was a major reason as to why the team decided to use one of their two-way contracts on him in the first place.

All he needs is a chance to show what he can do and maybe he surprises some. The Lakers have been great at developing their two-way players and turning them into solid role players in the league so maybe Castleton is the next in line.

LA needs another big man and Castleton could provide them with nice length and the ability to score the ball. He wouldn’t be anywhere near a main option and would just be needed to grab rebounds and play some defense really. Any scoring that he could add would be a bonus in all honestly. 

Are you following us on Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube yet? Join the conversation as we discuss the latest Lakers news and rumors with fans like you!