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Colin Castleton is the Lakers’ breakout performer, according to these five summer league numbers

For the second year in a row, the Los Angeles Lakers have locked center Colin Castleton into a two-year contract. It sent a strong message that Castleton has unrealized potential that Los Angeles hopes to exploit in 2024–25 and beyond.

Even if the Summer League doesn’t reveal much about a player’s potential at the NBA level, the Lakers’ trust in Castleton is paying off.

The 24-year-old center, Castleton, is at 6 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 250 pounds. His 7 feet, 3.5 inches wingspan gives him exceptional defensive ability. You can see why the low-risk play on Castleton returning for a second season was staked, given that Los Angeles openly acknowledged the need to improve at the 5-spot.

There was a purpose to Castleton’s re-signing, but the Lakers might still pursue a trade to improve their center position.

Castleton demonstrated the potential that has piqued the interest of the organization at the California Classic as well as the Las Vegas Summer League event. With enhanced passing and scoring abilities, he was a walking rebound.

It might be premature to consider him Anthony Davis’s backup just yet, but there’s good cause to consider it. According to the data.

5During the 2024 Summer League, Castleton was chosen by the Lakers to serve as their inside anchor. He accomplished just that, demonstrating his ability to dominate the boards and his eagerness to accept contact, both of which might land him a spot on the Lakers’ roster.

The Lakers are one of the weakest rebounding teams in the NBA, and Castleton loaded the stat sheet with five double-doubles and collected practically every rebound in sight.

3.5% Los Angeles was worst in the NBA in offensive rebounds and second-chance points when the 2023–24 season came to a close. Considering Davis was the NBA leader in second-chance points, that is a disturbing reality.

With eight games played in the Summer League, Castleton averaged 3.5 offensive rebounds per game, proving a clear connection between value and necessity.

An Alternative 3.5At Summer League, Castleton’s rise to the role of facilitator was the most important thing that happened to the Lakers. Even though he had shown his talent in the G League and college, he played with an air of self-assurance and grace in San Francisco and Las Vegas, finding open scorers as he soared around the court.

The statistical evidence suggests that Castleton is emerging as a big man who can facilitate, with an average of 3.5 assists per game and 4.4 in Las Vegas. He might play an intriguing role in the Lakers’ scheme.

This is the 18-11-3-4-2 version.On July 10, he had his breakout game against the Miami Heat, which kicked off his incredible Summer League. Castleton exploded for 18 points, 11 boards, 3 assists, 4 blocks, and 2 steals following two terrible team performances at the California Classic.

It would be unreasonable to anticipate such a level of performance from Castleton every night, but that performance showed what his potential is when he reaches his full potential. In that case, the figures might go down, but the value is absolutely remarkable.

Castleton, a two-way offensive machine who can set the tone for his team and score on his own, came out firing against Miami.

the 17-12-6-2 codeAfter dropping their previous five Summer League games in a row, the Lakers faced the Atlanta Hawks on July 17. With 17 points, 12 boards, 6 assists, and 2 steals (plus 4 offensive boards) on 8-of-9 shooting from the field, Castleton ended the difficulties.

Despite playing without Dalton Knecht, he produced his greatest performance of the summer, leading the squad to victory with an aggressive offensive style. He excelled as the Lakers’ offensive engine and was a force to be reckoned with on the interior.

In 2024–25, when Redick is getting ready to play through Davis, it would be ideal if the team had a backup who could go in and play a comparable offensive role in the pinch.

Castleton may be that guy if his performance in Summer League is indicative of his future.