{"id":60642,"date":"2024-01-02T18:09:05","date_gmt":"2024-01-02T23:09:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=60642"},"modified":"2024-01-02T18:09:05","modified_gmt":"2024-01-02T23:09:05","slug":"checking-in-on-the-lakers-two-way-rookies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/01\/02\/checking-in-on-the-lakers-two-way-rookies\/","title":{"rendered":"Checking in on the Lakers\u2019 Two-Way Rookies"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Lakers have been hard at work throughout their 2023-24 campaign, and the same goes for their G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. South Bay just wrapped up Winter Showcase play last week, going 8-8 in that span.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the South Bay Lakers\u2019 regular season continues, it\u2019s worth looking at three players on <\/span>Two-Way Contracts<\/span><\/a>\u2014<\/span>Colin Castleton<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>Alex Fudge<\/b><\/a>, and <\/span>D\u2019Moi Hodge<\/b><\/a>\u2014and examining how they\u2019ve played so far.<\/span><\/p>\n

Checking in on the Lakers\u2019 Two-Way Rookies<\/b><\/h2>\n

Colin Castleton<\/b><\/h3>\n

A center who turned heads in Summer League, Colin Castleton is off to a great start in the G League. The 6-foot-11 center averaged 18.7 points and 11.4 rebounds in the Showcase. He also shot 60% from the field and 75% from the free-throw line. One of Castleton\u2019s notable performances came against the G League Ignite on Nov. 25, when he recorded <\/span>27 points, 12 rebounds and five assists<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

https:\/\/youtu.be\/Ct6q2YAhf7o?si=YAB8pnYBopfUnMtR<\/p>\n

Castleton has steadily improved on both ends of the floor, proving he can dominate against G League competition. Aside from his ability to score and protect the rim (1.6 BPG), Castleton has also stood out as a playmaker, averaging 3.5 assists per game so far. He\u2019s only played four games of garbage time for the LA Lakers, but he’s raised eyebrows with his efficiency in the G League. With the Lakers\u2019 center position in flux behind <\/span>Anthony Davis<\/b><\/a>, it may be worth considering Castleton for some more opportunities with the purple and gold.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alex Fudge<\/b><\/h3>\n

Former Florida wing Alex Fudge came into the league as a bit of a wild card. He displayed <\/span>excellent athleticism<\/span><\/a> but was also seen as a very raw prospect, ultimately going undrafted and <\/span>landing with the Lakers via a training camp invite<\/span><\/a>. Since joining the South Bay Lakers on a two-way deal, Fudge has found a solid role. He averaged 8.8 points per game in the G League Showcase on 48% shooting from the field and 33% from deep. However, he has made a bigger impact on defense, blocking nearly two shots per game. On Tuesday against the OKC Blue, Fudge soared in for a monster rejection\u2014one of two he had that game.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Alex Fudge(@iam_AlexFudge<\/a>) said nah, not today\u2026.. pic.twitter.com\/M0k1xYvk1R<\/a><\/p>\n

— GLeagueHub (@GLeagueHub) January 2, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n