In a strategic move to bolster their roster, the Los Angeles Lakers have signed free agent center Christian Koloko to a two-way contract. Standing tall at 7-foot-1, Koloko is being heralded as a promising yet developmental addition to the team.
The Lakers created room for Koloko by waiving forward Blake Hinson, thus freeing up their third two-way slot. Koloko joins centers Colin Castleton and forward Armel Traore, expanding the Lakers' options in terms of height and versatility—Traore himself stands at an impressive 6-foot-9.
Koloko's Journey to the Lakers
Christian Koloko entered the 2022 NBA Draft with high hopes, being selected as the No. 33 pick by the Toronto Raptors. However, his rookie season was unfortunately marred by a significant health setback—Koloko was sidelined due to a blood clot issue that kept him off the court for the entire season. As a result, his professional career was put on hold almost as soon as it started.
Despite the early career setback, Koloko's talent and potential did not go unnoticed. An independent assessment conducted by the Lakers revealed promising results, reinforcing their decision to bring him on board.
College Accolades and Professional Potential
Before his professional career, Koloko spent three memorable seasons at the University of Arizona. During his final season, he demonstrated a well-rounded skill set, averaging 12.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game. His defensive prowess earned him the title of Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, further solidifying his reputation as a standout player capable of making significant impacts on the court.
Koloko's brief stint with the Raptors showed flashes of his potential. In the limited playing time he received, Koloko averaged 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in just 13.8 minutes per game. These numbers suggest that with more development and consistent playing time, Koloko could become a valuable asset to any NBA roster.
Health Clearance and Future Impact
Given Koloko's previous health issues, he must receive clearance from the NBA's "fitness-to-play panel." This panel comprises an NBA-appointed doctor, a players union-appointed doctor, and a mutually agreed-upon third doctor. Their collective assessment will determine if Koloko is medically fit to play, ensuring that his health condition is managed appropriately before he steps back onto the court.
Koloko's potential to impact the Lakers' season hinges not just on his health clearance but also on how well he adapts to the team's dynamics. His height, defensive abilities, and developmental trajectory suggest that he could become a crucial element in the Lakers' strategy, providing much-needed height and defensive stability.
As the Lakers gear up for the upcoming season, the integration of Koloko and other players on two-way contracts like Castleton and Traore could define their overarching gameplay and adaptability. With Koloko's promising assessment and a clear pathway ahead, the Lakers and their fans are optimistic about what he can bring to the team.
The journey has only just begun for Christian Koloko in Los Angeles, and as he takes each step towards securing his place on the active roster, all eyes will be on how this 7-foot-1 center adapts, evolves, and possibly transforms into a pivotal player for the Lakers.