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Following a 114-110 preseason win over the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday, the Los Angeles Lakers executed two minor roster adjustments on Friday. The team waived forward William Kyle III, who had been signed to an Exhibit 10 contract, and in a corresponding move, signed 6-foot-11 big man Rafael Castro, also to an Exhibit 10 deal.
Kyle, who went undrafted this summer after four years at Syracuse University, averaged 8.4 points and 7.1 rebounds per game in his final collegiate season. He also played for the Lakers' Las Vegas Summer League team in July, posting 2.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in 10 minutes per contest. In three preseason games this week, the 6-foot-8 forward totaled two points, three rebounds, one assist, and one block across 18 minutes.
Castro, a native of Dover, New Jersey, also went undrafted in June. Last season at George Washington University, he averaged 15.3 points on 62.7% shooting from the field, along with 9.1 rebounds, 1.76 steals, and 1.72 blocks per game. He was twice named to the Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team in 2025 and 2026. Prior to joining the Lakers, Castro had been signed to two-way contracts this summer by the Milwaukee Bucks and Houston Rockets.
Key Analysis
These moves are typical of NBA teams fine-tuning their rosters ahead of the regular season. Exhibit 10 contracts are non-guaranteed deals that can be converted into two-way contracts or serve as bonuses for players who join the team's G League affiliate. By swapping Kyle for Castro, the Lakers add size and defensive upside in Castro, who stands 6-foot-11 and has a proven track record as a rim protector and rebounder. Kyle, despite a solid collegiate career, struggled to make an impact in limited preseason minutes. The Lakers likely see Castro as a potential developmental piece who could contribute in the frontcourt down the line.
Originally reported by yahoo.