The Los Angeles Lakers have turned heads in NBA 2K24 Summer League with a 2-0 record and standout players. Though they are led by rising sophomore Max Christie 2023 Draft picks Jalen Hood-Schifino and Maxwell Lewis, the team’s two-way contract players have made some noise and deserve recognition for their efforts.
Los Angeles Lakers: Two-Way Talents Thriving in Summer League
Cole Swider
Returning to the LakeShow for the second year of his two-way deal, former Syracuse wing Cole Swider is a proven three-point threat. Through LA’s two games in Vegas, Cole averaged 13.5 points and five rebounds per game, shooting 41% from distance. He has continued his momentum from the California Classic, where he put up 15.5 points per game while shooting 54% from deep, including an 18-point performance against the San Antonio Spurs last Wednesday.
The 6-foot-9 sharpshooter recorded 19 points on 7-14 shooting from the field and 5-8 from three in the Lakers’ 103-96 win over the Golden State Warriors last Friday. His numbers dipped to eight points on 3-12 shooting from the field against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. However, there’s no reason to believe he won’t bounce back.
With the Lakers relying on size and shooting heading into next season, Swider will be ready. He shows an impressive ability to shoot off the catch and make plays for others. Additionally, he consistently finds ways to get open for pull-up jumpers. His offensive skill set will be vital for the Lakers going forward. However, Swider’s defense needs to improve if he wants to earn those opportunities. It’s worth noting that he had several opportunities with the shorthanded Lakers last season. The most notable one was against the Denver Nuggets in January. Hodge recorded six points (2-6 from the field), five rebounds and three assists in 26 minutes. Add that to his impressive performances in the G League, and he’s someone the Lakers can use for extra shooting.
Colin Castleton
Rookie Colin Castleton impressed many during his Summer League run. Undrafted from the University of Florida, the 6-foot-11 center is averaging 17 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in Vegas. Colin is shooting 67% from the field. He has also made an impact defensively, putting up 1.5 rebounds and 0.5 blocks per game in that span.
Castleton has shown tremendous versatility on the offensive end of the floor. Colin has a soft touch at the rim, an array of post moves, and jump shots. He moves well off the ball, sets solid screens, and gets himself open for good looks in the paint. Colin also gets to the free-throw line at an impressive rate (5 makes per game of 6.5 attempts—77%). Additionally, he holds his own against stronger opposing bigs.
That offensive versatility was on full display Sunday, as Castleton recorded 21 points (8-13 from the field), 14 rebounds, and three assists—his best game of the summer so far. If he keeps this up, the Lakers may not have to look further for another center behind Anthony Davis and Jaxson Hayes.
D’Moi Hodge
Finally, former Missouri guard D’Moi Hodge has made a name for himself in Summer League. Hodge recorded 16 points on an efficient 6-11 outing from the field on Sunday. He’s become the talk of the town for Laker fans thanks to sequences like this:
https://twitter.com/AlexmRegla/status/1678796013518344192
The 6-foot-4 rookie has put up 13.5 points over LA’s two Vegas contests, while shooting 50% from the field, 35% from three, and 67% from the line. He’s stuffed the stat sheet in a myriad of ways, averaging 3.5 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and 1.5 blocks per game. His production has increased from the California Classic. Hodge averaged a modest 7.5 points per game on 37% shooting from deep in CA. Hodge is an impact player who hustles for the extra possession, qualities vital in any young player trying to prove their worth in Summer League.
With the Lakers shoring up their guard depth, it appears they’ve lucked out by adding the Mizzou guard. Hodge has shown promise as a 3-and-D player. His growth with the Lakers is an excellent first step in his NBA career. While there may not be many opportunities for Hodge right now, he can thrive under the leadership of Christie and Austin Reaves—young guards who developed well in LA’s system—to make the most of his first season in the league.
The Last Word on the Lakers Two-Way Players
Somehow, the Lakers’ scouting department has done it again. They’ve found gems in the pool of undrafted players to develop them into rotational pieces. It helps to have a G League affiliate that can help those players get adequate reps, but above all, Swider, Castleton, and Hodge have made solid impressions in Summer League. They are three young Lakers to watch as the offseason goes on. The Lakers Summer League is exciting.
