Lakers Sign Rafael Castro, Waive William Kyle

The Lakers signed undrafted center Rafael Castro to an Exhibit 10 contract and waived William Kyle III to make room, continuing to adjust their roster during preseason. Castro, 23, joins Los Angeles after stints with the Bucks and Rockets and a strong final college season at George Washington, where he averaged 15.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks while shooting 62.7% from the field. The signing gives the Lakers another option in a frontcourt short on dependable center depth, with Walker Kessler sidelined during preseason and Kevon Looney yet to establish himself as a reliable backup. Castro will have a chance to compete, but the Lakers could waive him or send him to the G League rather than keep him on the regular-season roster.