The Los Angeles Lakers are eagerly awaiting a decision from the NBA’s “fitness-to-play” panel regarding the status of 7-foot-1 center Christian Koloko. The team signed Koloko to a two-way contract during the offseason, hoping to bolster their depth behind star big man Anthony Davis.
Koloko, who was selected with the 33rd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors, missed the entire 2023-24 season due to a serious blood clot issue. He is required to be cleared by the league’s medical panel before participating in any basketball activities with the Lakers.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, sources close to the situation indicate that a decision from the fitness-to-play panel is expected “very soon.” The panel consists of three doctors: one appointed by the NBA, another selected by the players’ union, and a mutually agreed-upon third doctor. Their decision will determine whether Koloko can resume his career.
Koloko has not appeared in any preseason games for the Lakers, as his health status remains in limbo. Despite the uncertainty, there is optimism within the Lakers’ organization that he will be cleared to play.
The Lakers made the decision to part ways with center Colin Castleton, possibly signaling their confidence in Koloko’s eventual return. If cleared, Koloko could provide crucial backup minutes behind Davis, adding size and rim protection to Los Angeles’ frontcourt.
Koloko signed his first NBA contract with the Toronto Raptors in August 2022 but was waived in January 2024 after his medical issues were discovered. Since then, he has been unable to play, and no team can sign him until he is medically cleared by the panel.
