NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Eyeing Reunion With $2,291,897 Toronto Raptors Center to support LeBron James and Luka Doncic

The Los Angeles Lakers may have found a hidden gem to bolster their depth just ahead of training camp. After the Toronto Raptors waived center Colin Castleton on July 29, the Lakers are presented with a golden opportunity to reunite with a familiar face who could bring balance, versatility, and development upside to both their NBA and G League rosters.

Former Los Angeles Lakers Summer League Standout Available Again

The Los Angeles Lakers have spent the 2024 offseason scouting for value, and Colin Castleton’s availability comes at a perfect time. He was a standout in the 2023 Summer League and quietly put together a productive stint across multiple franchises in 2024-25, appearing in 26 NBA games. While not yet a rotation lock, his skill set positions him as a valuable depth piece—especially if he earns a training camp invitation.“Colin Castleton thrived right alongside them, and after a year away from the franchise, could be the 2025 offseason steal they need to improve the quality at center,” wrote Maxwell Ogden, highlighting Castleton’s emergence during Summer League play.

The G League Rights Obstacle

One complication in the Los Angeles Lakers’ pursuit of Castleton is that the Orlando Magic currently hold his G League rights. That means any potential move would require some level of negotiation or trade if Los Angeles intends to bring him back into their developmental fold through South Bay Lakers.

Why Colin Castleton Fits the Lakers’ Needs

Colin Castleton brings size, IQ, and unselfish play—qualities that could boost the Los Angeles Lakers’ bench production and help balance the G League lineup.

Physical Profile & Skill Set

• Height: 6’10” • Weight: 250 lbs • Wingspan: 7’4”He’s a modern big man who can pass from multiple angles and set up scorers—traits that have become increasingly valuable in today’s offense-first schemes. He may not be in the mold of Nikola Jokic, but his passing vision is a genuine asset.

Per-36 Minute Production (2024-25 Season)

These numbers reflect a well-rounded contributor who can impact the game even in limited minutes.Strengths: • Excellent offensive rebounder • Willing passer with high court awareness • Physical presence in the paint • Smart decision-maker with the ball

Potential Role With South Bay Lakers

Bringing Castleton back into the system could create an intriguing tandem in the G League.

Pairing his offensive mindset with Christian Koloko, a proven defensive specialist, would give the South Bay Lakers complementary options in the frontcourt.Koloko’s defensive edge could be balanced by Castleton’s offensive instinct, creating a duo that pushes each other to grow.

Benefits of a Castleton-Koloko Pairing:

• Adds variety to the G League rotation • Encourages skill development through internal competition • Prepares both for potential call-ups to the main rosterA Smart, Low-Risk Offseason BetAt 25 years old, Colin Castleton still has room to grow.

While he’s not expected to play major minutes right away, his unique blend of size and skill could pay off down the road. The Los Angeles Lakers would be wise to act quickly—either by exploring the trade route for his G League rights or extending a training camp invite to evaluate him further.This wouldn’t be a splashy move, but it’s the kind of calculated gamble that franchises often benefit from in the long run.Also read: Why the Golden State Warriors Rejected Phoenix Suns’ $70 Million Star Trade Proposal Involving Jonathan KumingaIf the Los Angeles Lakers wants to shore up its frontcourt and develop long-term assets without burning cap space, circling back to Colin Castleton might be the smartest move they can make before training camp kicks off.