Lakers should reunite with recently-waived 6-foot-10 center, NBA cup champion, per writer

After completing deals with Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes, it’s safe to say the Los Angeles Lakers frontcourt won’t hold them back from postseason success next season. 

Still, Lake Show Life’s Maxwell Ogden believes there's an underrated move the organization could make between now and the end of the summer. 

In Ogden’s opinion, the Lakers should be open to the idea of reuniting with a recently waived 6-foot-10 center and NBA cup champion.

 “(Colin) Castleton spent the 2024-25 season with multiple franchises, amassing 26 NBA appearances along the way,” Ogden wrote Tuesday. 

“While that may not position him to play major minutes in 2025-26, he's a well-rounded talent who could provide much-needed depth at a key position—or, at the very least, make the most of a training camp invite.”

“That became a viable option for the Lakers to consider when the Toronto Raptors waived the big man on July 29. The hurdle in place is the fact that the Orlando Magic currently hold Castleton's G League rights, thus complicating the manner in which he could be acquired.”

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“Nevertheless, Los Angeles would be wise to at least kick the tires on Castleton and potentially land a player who can develop into an ideal backup.”

Following the conclusion of Castleton’s collegiate career, the Pembroke Pines, Florida native signed a two-way contract with the Lakers. 

Castleton appeared in 16 games with the Lakers as a rookie, averaging 1.5 points and 0.8 rebounds per game while shooting 56.3% from the field. 

Unsurprisingly, the Lakers waived Castleton after the 2023-24 season, and the former first-team All-SEC member has been an NBA journeyman ever since. 

Castleton has competed with the Memphis Grizzlies, Raptors, and Philadelphia 76ers, spending most of his time in the G-League. 

Castleton isn’t the most physically imposing big man, but his ability to pass out of double teams and keep the ball out of harm's way while completing low-post moves could motivate Los Angeles to give him a second chance.

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