The Lakers rookies duo that wants to earn a spot on coach Ham's team rotation

It was a round offseason for the LA Lakers despite the fact they still are looking for a big center to fill the 14th roster spot of the team, but between their re-signings, new signings, and the 2023 NBA Draft, GM Rob Pelinka delivered a deep and strong contending team for coach Ham.

This year, there are two drafted pick rookies and three rookies who signed two-way deals to play with both the South Bay Lakers and the LA Lakers. Two of these rookies are Colin Castleton and Alex Fudge, a duo that already knows each other and has great on-court chemistry. This could benefit coach Darvin Ham and make the duo to be part of his team rotation.

In a rare case, center Colin Castleton and forward Alex Fudge are already familiar with one another’s game after playing together at Florida. Whether the two share the floor in the G League or NBA, that built-in chemistry can go a long way in the development process.

Castleton shares about his on-court experience with Fudge throughout college, via South Bay Lakers: "A lot of teams would double team me and every time I took my first dribble, Alex knew to always cut. So, when I was playing in Florida with him, he just cut the backdoor. Whenever I got in trouble or did something stupid, I knew Alex was going to be in a certain spot. I would always hit him for like a dunk or a little layup. That would probably be our best, knowing we have a good connection and helping it bringing it to this next level is kind of surreal, we talk about it all the time.”

What Alex Fudge thinks of his teammate Colin Castleton

“He’s just a great passer, I mean, I know he’s going to get it to me. Cause I knew how to play off of Colin that’s one thing I learned playing off other people, cutting. My dunks get the crowd going, Colin’s passes just look so nice, it’s just a great play. We both came through this process, we both came from the same school, now playing for the same team, it’s a blessing like I said, and an opportunity we’re going to take advantage of.” Said Alex.