Lakers Signed Center Rafael Castro to Exhibit 10 Deal

The Los Angeles Lakers have added the 23-year-old big man to their roster on an Exhibit 10 contract.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Basketball

Lakers Signed Center Rafael Castro to Exhibit 10 Deal

Live Poll

Do you believe the Lakers should give more playing time to undrafted rookies this season?

The Los Angeles Lakers signed 6'11" center Rafael Castro to an Exhibit 10 contract to bolster their interior depth. The team will evaluate the former George Washington University standout during the preseason as he competes for a final roster spot.

Why it matters

The organization is seeking additional support at the center position to provide depth behind their core rotation players. This move allows the Lakers to assess Castro's defensive versatility and scoring efficiency before the regular season begins.

Castro averaged 15.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.7 blocks during the 2025-26 season, shooting 62.7% from the field. He holds the George Washington University record for career field goal percentage at 64.4%.

The players

Rafael Castro

He is a 23-year-old center who holds the George Washington University record for career field goal percentage.

Los Angeles Lakers

They are a professional basketball franchise competing in the Western Conference of the NBA.

Walker Kessler

He is a 25-year-old professional basketball player expected to serve as the Lakers' center of the future.

The details

Rafael Castro is a 23-year-old prospect who earned two Atlantic 10 All-Defensive selections during his college career. The Lakers retain the flexibility to waive him or assign him to their G League team before the regular season concludes.

Rafael Castro played at George Washington University during the 2025-26 season.
The Los Angeles Lakers signed Rafael Castro on October 9, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This signing marks a strategic effort by the Lakers to reinforce their interior rotation while managing salary cap constraints. By utilizing an Exhibit 10 deal, the franchise preserves flexibility to finalize their depth chart while evaluating prospects against their long-term plans.

Castro will participate in the team's preseason rotation to compete for a spot on the final regular-season roster. His performance in training camp will determine whether he secures a permanent role or moves to the team's G League roster.

The takeaway

Exhibit 10 contracts serve as a vital tool for NBA teams to bring in undrafted or developmental talent for low-risk evaluations. These deals ensure players remain within the organization's ecosystem while maintaining financial flexibility for the front office.