Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Featured > Lakers Rumors: Armel Traore & Blake Hinson Signed To Two-Way Contracts
FeaturedRumors

Lakers Rumors: Armel Traore & Blake Hinson Signed To Two-Way Contracts

Daniel Starkand
Published: 06/27/2024
4 Min Read
Armel Traore, Lakers
(Photo by Hugo Pfeiffer/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
SHARE

The 2024 NBA Draft has come and gone and the Los Angeles Lakers were able to add two prospects to the organization, selecting Dalton Knecht with the 17th overall pick in the first round and Bronny James with the 55th overall pick in the second round.

As is always the case, at the conclusion of the draft, teams can begin signing undrafted free agents to two-way contracts and Summer League contracts.

The Lakers wasted no time getting to work, signing French forward Armel Traore and Pittsburgh guard Blake Hinson, per Shams Charania of The Athletic:

The Lakers are signing French forward Armel Traore on a two-way NBA contract, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 27, 2024

Undrafted Pittsburgh sharpshooter Blake Hinson has agreed to two-way NBA deal with the Lakers, sources said.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 27, 2024

Traore is a length, 21-year-old wing from France that averaged 10.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists last season in 33 games for Blois in France – Betclic Elite. He is a versatile defender but needs work on his offensive game, particularly outside shooting after connecting on just 26.2% of his 3-point shots last season.

Hinson is a similar size, both at 6’7″, is is a different archetype of player than Traore. In 33 games for Pittsburgh last season, Hinson averaged 18.5 points and 4.5 rebounds. He was stellar from beyond the arc at 42.1% on 7.9 attempts per game.

Hinson is 24 years old, however, staying in college for six seasons while redshirting in two of them due to an undisclosed medical issue.

Both Traore and Hinson will likely play for the Lakers in Summer League alongside Knecht, James and whatever other undrafted free agents the team brings in. If the organization decides to stick with them going into the season then they will be on two-way contracts, going back and forth between the South Bay Lakers of the G League to continue their development.

Colin Castleton hoping to stay with Lakers

Teams are allowed to give out three two-way contracts per season, which means the Lakers still have one more available.

That could potentially go to center Colin Castleton, who was on a two-way contract with the team last year and recently expressed a desire to remain in the organization.

“Yeah, for sure, definitely. That’s my goal, that’s my plan, I want to play with the Lakers,” Castleton said in an interview with Lakers Nation’s Trevor Lane and Sean Davis. “Just going with the flow right now, seeing how everything falls out. Just working out every day, focusing on that. That’s my plan right now, being able to play with the Lakers is something that I plan on doing so we’ll see what happens with that.”

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Armel TraoreBlake HinsonLos Angeles Lakers
ByDaniel Starkand
Daniel Starkand is a graduate from Chapman University with a degree in journalism and broadcast journalism. He grew up in Burbank, Calif. and played baseball at Burbank High and his first two years at Chapman. Along with serving as the managing editor for LakersNation.com, Daniel also serves as a senior writer, editor and social media manager for DodgerBlue.com Contact: daniel@mediumlargela.com
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?