The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2024 Summer League with six players on the roster who are currently under contract. It set a high standard for the team, as head coach JJ Redick was given an early opportunity to evaluate the talent on hand.
After losing five consecutive games to open Summer League, Los Angeles finally got back on track by winning three straight to close things out and reroute the momentum.
2024 first-round draft pick Dalton Knecht was the star inclusion on the roster, with second-round selection Bronny James generating immense hype of his own. Joining them were three players signed to two-way contracts: Colin Castleton, Blake Hinson, and Armel Traore.
Throw in 2023 second-round draft pick Maxwell Lewis, and the Lakers had every reason to value Summer League performances.
That all began on July 10, when Castleton set the pace for what would be an incredible stretch from an individual perspective.
Colin Castleton vs. Miami Heat, July 10
The July 10 encounter with the Miami Heat marked the beginning of an extraordinary Summer League for Colin Castleton. The breakout star for the Lakers in both San Francisco and Las Vegas, Castleton was a dominant force on the boards and a revelation as a facilitator.
The July 10 clash with the Heat put that on display when Castleton tallied 18 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, four blocks, and two steals on 7-of-13 shooting.
Castleton is entering his second season with the Lakers after recently signing a two-way contract. As such, Summer League was an extraordinary opportunity for the former Florida Gators star to make a statement about how ready he is to crack an NBA rotation.
Against Miami, Castleton was nothing short of dominant, contributing in every phase of the game and even knocking down a three-point field goal.
It was one of five double-doubles from Castleton during Summer League action. A case could be made that it wasn’t even his best game, however, which goes to show just how great he was for the purple and gold between the California Classic and Las Vegas event.
The Lakers have a void behind Anthony Davis at center, and Castleton is looking like the player who could step up and fill it this season.
Dalton Knecht vs. Houston Rockets, July 12
The Los Angeles Lakers received an early opportunity to evaluate what Dalton Knecht brings to the table at Summer League. A first-round draft pick in June, Knecht carried a mountain of hype with him into Las Vegas, and he somehow overdelivered.
Knecht was great throughout, but it was his battle with the Houston Rockets that managed to bring the best out of him.
Knecht finished the clash with Houston with 25 points, six rebounds, four assists, one block, and a steal. He shot 9-of-18 from the field, buried five of his 11 three-point field goal attempts, and knocked down two of his three free throws.
It was a wonderful display of the three-level scoring ability that makes Knecht one of the best value grabs of the 2024 NBA Draft at No. 17 overall.
The reigning SEC Player of the Year, Knecht will have every opportunity to secure the Sixth Man role with the Lakers. He’s more than capable of knocking down shots from beyond the arc, but it’s his handle, toughness, length, and finishing ability that make him a truly compelling talent.
Overlooked because he’s a 23-year-old incoming rookie, Knecht utilized Summer League to prove he’s ready to silence his critics
Colin Castleton vs. Atlanta Hawks, July 17
Colin Castleton appears again for producing what may have been the best individual performance of any Los Angeles Lakers player at either Summer League event. He did just about everything for the Lakers once more, pacing the team through the game and helping it secure its first win at Summer League.
With 17 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals on 8-of-9 shooting, Castleton put the team on his back and ended the Lakers’ five-game losing streak
Add four offensive rebounds to his tally and it’s hardly hyperbolic to say that Castleton did whatever he wanted to. He was all over the court on both ends of the floor, including an impressive amount and quality of play along the offensive perimeter.
The Lakers ran their offense through Castleton throughout the game, enabling him to set screens, pass teammates open, and score down low.
Castleton’s ability to impact games without needing a high number of shot attempts is sure to catch JJ Redick’s eye. Throw in the fact that he tallied seven assists the next time out, and it’s clear that the second-year center has captivating two-way potential to tap into.
Standing at 6’11” and 250 pounds with a 7’3.5″ wingspan and a well-rounded skill set, Castleton could be the missing piece for the Lakers this season.
Dalton Knecht vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, July 18
Perhaps the best showing by the Los Angeles Lakers as a full-strength team, July 18 marked a second victory in as many days. With Dalton Knecht leading the charge, Los Angeles defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 93-89 and officially overcame their misfortunes
With 20 points and seven rebounds, Knecht put up strong numbers and closed out the win by taking over in the final minutes of the game.
Knecht played better individually in other games from a pure production perspective, but his showing against Cleveland was vital. He scored six of his 20 points in the final two minutes and 34 seconds of the game, including the clutch bucket to tie things up at 89-89
Knecht then went 4-of-4 on clutch free throws, thus delivering the Lakers a win that helped salvage what had begun to look like a lost Summer League from a team perspective.
It was one of the most rewarding and reassuring moments of the Summer League experience. Knecht had played exceptionally well in losses, but this was when it all came together as the team turned to him to close things out and he delivered in every way.
Aggressive in attack and clutch in the pursuit of victory, Knecht showed the type of value he can bring to the Lakers as soon as his rookie season.
Blake Hinson vs. Chicago Bulls, July 20
Los Angeles Lakers fans were instantly intrigued when Blake Hinson was signed to a two-way contract. A sharpshooting wing with prototypical size and length, Hinson has all of the tools to be a 3-and-D player at the next level.
Hinson had a number of impressive performances at Summer League, but it was his showing in the Las Vegas finale that ranks among the best showings by any Lakers player.
With Bronny James and Dalton Knecht out of the lineup, Hinson stepped up with an explosive outing. He dropped 25 points, three rebounds, two assists, and five three-point field goals made, scoring 21 of his points in the first half alone.
Hinson slowed down in the second half, grinding to a near halt, but his scoring outburst in the first half is what set the pace for the Lakers to win.
Hinson will have a chance to crack the Lakers’ rotation this season, and his jump shot will be a big reason for any potential success. This showing against Chicago, during which he caught fire and showed how lethal he can be when on his game, was a great audition.
Hinson will likely begin the 2024-25 season in the G League, but the upside he provides along the wings is clear to see for a Lakers team that needs shooters.
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