Lakers sign two-way contract with former Florida Basketball's Colin Castleton

The Los Angeles Lakers have once again turned to Colin Castleton, signing the former Florida Gator to a two-way contract. This decision was announced by Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka.

Standing at 6-foot-11 and weighing in at 250 pounds, Castleton's journey from college standout to NBA prospect has been one of steady growth and adaptation. His time in the G League with the South Bay Lakers last season proved to be a crucial stepping stone, showcasing his multifaceted skill set. In 12 regular season games, Castleton put up impressive numbers: 14.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game, all while maintaining an efficient 53.8% shooting from the field.

What sets Castleton apart is his diverse skill set, uncommon for a player of his size. Beyond the traditional big man roles of rebounding and interior scoring, he's shown a knack for facilitating from the elbow and high post areas. This versatility was on full display in the Lakers' first 2024 summer league game, where Castleton posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while also dishing out three assists in 27 minutes of play.

The two-way contract offers Castleton a golden opportunity to further develop his game while shuttling between the G League and the NBA. For the Lakers, it's a low-risk, high-reward scenario that allows them to nurture a promising talent without committing a full roster spot.

As the NBA continues to evolve, with an increasing premium placed on bigs who can do more than just patrol the paint, Castleton's skill set becomes all the more valuable. His ability to box out, rebound, score inside, and facilitate offense could make him a valuable asset in today's positionless basketball landscape.

While it's too early to predict Castleton's ultimate impact on the Lakers or his long-term NBA prospects, one thing is clear: the former Gator has earned another shot.