3 Most important Summer League Lakers offer glimpse into a JJ Redick future https://t.co/cvqniRJXCg
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) July 19, 2024
Colin Castleton
Castleton has been nothing short of sensational during the Lakers’ Summer League games. He’s been a double-double machine, producing five in seven outings, and has often emerged as the team’s primary facilitator.
Bronny James
More importantly, he played with confidence that wasn’t anywhere to be seen during his first five Summer League games and shot with fearlessness when space presented itself.
The next time out, James addressed the notion that it was a fluke performance head-on. He put up 13 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two blocks, shooting 5-of-10 from the field, in what may have been the most well-rounded performance he’s had since high school.
Dalton Knecht
At 6’5″ and 212 pounds with a 6’9″ wingspan, Knecht moves effortlessly around the floor. He has the leaping ability to play above the rim, the strength and toughness to fight through contact, and the quickness to play the angles as well as any incoming rookie when on the drive.
If Knecht can parlay his Summer League success into a strong rookie season, the Lakers will be an entirely different team than they were a year ago.
https://x.com/Trevor_Lane/status/1814275693091356823
1) Castleton has looked solid against this level of competition. Not mentioned is he’s shooting OK from three point range, although not at a high volume which is fine by me. Given our roster and cap situation it won’t surprise me to see him stay on the two way deal for next season and see the Lakers possibly convert it using an exception of one kind or another next summer if his progress keeps tracking up. Not sure what the bi-annual will end up being but if you lock him up on the cheap for 4 seasons there are probably worse moves that could be made.
-Knecht. Dude looks NBA ready, has more than a little work to do on defense and he and Bronny are one of those tandems where I wish I could just combine both players in a lab and call it done. Not sure what role he’ll carve out and I expect him to play at least a little in the G League but I can see ways he can contribute in the second unit right away.
-Bronny. Looks a lot like a late second rounder does. Whodathunkit? All the people dumping on the kid will likely have to take some of that back, at some point. Honestly not too sure what they were expecting? Kid is coming back from a season where he had zero off-season workout time due to his heart attack, played OK at the NCAA and is doubling down on himself and the last 2 games show us why. Plenty of former stars’ kids end up playing in the Association, Bronny has had one of the tougher roads due to his Dad’s uncanny longevity and overall impact on the game, especially when it comes to the record books. No matter how you feel about the James Clan and their machinations they look after family first, like any family should. I’d argue that Bronny looks more NBA ready now than Maxwell Lewis who has a full G league season under his belt and looks pretty raw and unplayable on both ends. Bronny at least truly gets after it on D and that will improve if he has half the dedication to the game his Dad does.
Yeap. I totally agree.