Columnist Believes 2 Undrafted LA Players Could Crack Rotation

The Los Angeles Lakers have shown an ability to turn two-way signings into quality role players in the NBA. They did this with guards Alex Caruso and Austin Reaves in previous year, showing the strength of their scouting department.

Now LA has signed two more players to two-way deals this season and just by the looks of them in summer league, the Lakers may have found two more players to add to their two-way success stories. 

Both Colin Castleton of of The University of Florida and D'Moi Hodge from The University of Missouri showed some impressive skills during the games. If they continue to develop their games, they may be able to earn some rotation minutes this season.

NBA writer John Hollinger of The Athletic was impressed with both of them and even he believes they could crack the roster at some point this season.

"While we’re here, L.A.’s two undrafted two-ways — Colin Castleton and D’Moi Hodge — look like they might be keepers. Each is an older player joining the Lakers after a half-decade in college, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see either become a roster player after the trade deadline."

Per The Athletic

Between the two players, you'd likely guess that Castleton would make the team first simply off his position. LA has a need for another big man and Castleton could easily fill that role. 

He showed a soft touch near the basket during summer league and showed off his passing abilities as well. Castleton pulled an Austin Reaves style game-plan and passed up opportunities to be drafted to force his way to the Lakers. Maybe things turn out similar for him if he keeps on working. 

As for Hodge, he showed impressive two-way ability. He is the type of three-and-D player that the Lakers need and he could be a prime candidate to make the roster later this season. In college, he was strong defensively and shot 40 percent from three. 

Both Castleton and Hodge could prove to be productive for this team down the line. The Lakers targeted them and now they could be the final pieces of the roster if all goes well.