Rafael Castro is no longer on the Los Angeles Lakers roster, according to the team's official roster as of Sunday, October 18. The move follows an October 1 report that the Rockets had waived him as a two-way player.
The move
Rafael Castro, a 23-year-old rookie center, is off the Los Angeles Lakers roster as of Sunday, October 18, per the official roster. The move came after an October 1 report from Brett Siegel headlined "Rockets Waive Two-Way Player Rafael Castro," confidence not available. How Castro landed with the Lakers after that report is not announced.
The money
Castro's contract is not on file yet, since public salary data can lag a signing by a day. The Lakers carry a payroll of $201.3 million across 16 contracts for 2026-27, which puts them over the luxury tax. The league's cap for the season is $165.0 million, the tax line is $200.4 million, the first apron is $209.0 million and the second apron is $221.7 million.
The fit
Castro did not play in the NBA last season. The Lakers' rotation at his spot last season was led by center Deandre Ayton, who averaged 27.2 minutes and 12.5 points. The top of the rotation also included Luka Doncic at 35.8 minutes and 33.5 points, Austin Reaves at 34.5 minutes and 23.3 points, and LeBron James at 33.2 minutes and 20.9 points. The Lakers now carry 19 players on the roster, against a standard limit of 15 plus three two-way spots.
Is Rafael Castro still with the Lakers?
No. As of Sunday, October 18, he is off the Lakers' official roster.
What led to this move?
An October 1 report from Brett Siegel said the Rockets had waived Castro as a two-way player. How he came to be on and off the Lakers roster afterward is not announced.
What is Rafael Castro's contract status?
His contract is not on file yet. Public salary data can lag a signing by a day.
Did Rafael Castro play in the NBA last season?
No, he has no NBA line from last season.