The Los Angeles Lakers and center Christian Koloko have agreed to terms on a contract, marking a significant step in Koloko’s return to the NBA. Once Koloko is cleared by the NBA’s Fitness to Play panel, he will officially sign his deal with the Lakers, adding much-needed depth to their frontcourt.
Koloko, a 7-foot-1 center with a promising skill-set, missed the entire previous season due to blood clots, a serious health issue that sidelined him and raised concerns about his playing future.
The Toronto Raptors, who initially drafted Koloko, decided to waive him in mid-January following his medical diagnosis. However, despite the setback, Koloko’s potential remains evident, and the Lakers are banking on his recovery and eventual return to form.
During his rookie season with the Raptors, Koloko showed flashes of his talent, averaging 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.0 block in just 13.8 minutes per game.
Although his offensive numbers were modest, his defensive presence, particularly his shot-blocking ability, caught the attention of many around the league. He was set to become a key part of Toronto’s rotation as the primary backup for Jakob Poeltl before his health issues arose.
Now, with the Lakers, Koloko has an opportunity for a fresh start. Should he regain his fitness, he could provide valuable minutes as a backup center, offering size, rim protection, and energy off the bench – qualities that could complement the Lakers’ star-studded roster.
For Los Angeles, this signing represents a low-risk, high-reward move, potentially giving them a talented young big man with the chance to develop under the guidance of a championship-caliber team.
Lakers, Christian Koloko Agree To Contract https://t.co/UMzcQJDWmK
— RealGM (@RealGM) September 14, 2024
