Lakers Sign Christian Koloko to Two-Way Contract
The Los Angeles Lakers have added depth to their roster by signing free agent center Christian Koloko to a two-way contract. Standing tall at 7-foot-1, Koloko brings a considerable presence to the team's frontcourt.
Koloko, who was the 33rd pick in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors, has had a tumultuous start to his professional career. His rookie season was completely sidelined due to a blood clot issue, robbing him of the opportunity to showcase his potential on the court. However, the Lakers have conducted an independent assessment of Koloko, and their findings appear promising as they prepare to integrate him into their system.
In order to make room for Koloko on the roster, the Lakers decided to waive forward Blake Hinson, thus opening up their third two-way slot. Koloko joins center Colin Castleton and forward Armel Traore as the team’s current two-way contract players. Standing at 6-foot-9, Traore offers versatility, while Castleton adds competition in the center position.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Koloko's signing is his reputation as a developmental project. He spent three seasons at the University of Arizona where he honed his skills significantly. In his final collegiate season, he averaged 12.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game, earning the prestigious title of Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year. These statistics reflect his potential to be a game-changer on the defensive end.
However, due to his previous health issues, Koloko must clear the NBA's "fitness-to-play panel" before officially joining the Lakers' active roster. This panel is composed of three doctors: one appointed by the NBA, another by the players union, and a third mutually agreed upon by both parties. The evaluation from this panel is critical for Koloko's career revival and his integration into the Lakers’ rotation.
Koloko's brief professional experience in the NBA came with the Toronto Raptors. During his initial season, despite limited playing time of 13.8 minutes per game, he managed to average 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks. These numbers hint at his potential to be a valuable asset under the right development program.
The Lakers’ acquisition of Koloko underscores their commitment to building a formidable defensive lineup. Given his stature and defensive capabilities, Koloko's addition could influence the team's performance this season. They are not only investing in his immediate contributions but also in his long-term potential.
The Lakers have shown a history of nurturing talent and maximizing the potential of their players. Christian Koloko stands as the latest testament to their strategy. If he passes the "fitness-to-play" assessment, Koloko could be positioned to make significant strides under the Lakers' coaching and development staff.
As the Lakers continue to shape their roster, eyes will be on Koloko to see if he can overcome his earlier health setback and thrive in the NBA. His journey from the University of Arizona to competing at the highest level of basketball remains a storyline worth following.