Former Lakers Center Who Played 16 Games in LA as a Rookie Signs New Deal

The former SEC star broke into the NBA with the Purple and Gold.
Oct 18, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) stands next to Los Angeles Lakers center Colin Castleton (14) in the third quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Oct 18, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) stands next to Los Angeles Lakers center Colin Castleton (14) in the third quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

The NBA offseason is moving along at a tortoise's pace as we enter the final week of August. There are still several free agents available on the open market, though, and one former Los Angeles Lakers big man has become the latest to find a new home within the league.

After most recently suiting up for the Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors, former Lakers big man Colin Castleton has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Orlando Magic, according to Hoops Hype NBA insider Michael Scotto, that will provide him with the opportunity to show his worth to the front office.

Ex-Los Angeles Lakers Center Colin Castleton Signs with Orlando Magic

Colin Castleton enjoyed a standout collegiate career with the Florida Gators but went undrafted in 2023 despite being a three-time All-SEC selection. While he didn't hear his name called on draft night, it didn't take him long to find his first opportunity in the league as the Los Angeles Lakers were quick to lock him up on a two-way contract.

During his time in Los Angeles, Castleton was part of the roster that won the inaugural NBA Cup. Unfortunately, that was the biggest highlight of his stint with the Purple and Gold, as a fractured right wrist ultimately cut his rookie season short. The Lakers re-signed Castleton to another two-way contract that summer, but he was waived from the roster just ahead of the start of the 2024-25 campaign.

Now, Castleton returns to Florida after agreeing to an Exhibit 10 contract with the Magic, per Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel. For those unfamiliar with what an Exhibit 10 contract is, it is a one-year deal worth the league minimum salary. These deals don’t come with any compensation protection, but can include an optional bonus worth as little as $5,000 and as much as $85,300.

The former Lakers big man has made 42 appearances over his NBA career. He also averages 3.5 points and 3.2 rebounds in 11.7 minutes per game. Castleton saw extended playing time in Toronto and showed he can be an effective big man by putting up 7.2 points and 6.9 rebounds in just over 26 minutes per game.

We'll find out soon enough just what Castleton does with this opportunity, as his future is now in his own hands.

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