The Los Angeles Lakers signed free agent middle Christian Koloko to a two-way contract Monday, in keeping with a number of studies. Los Angeles additionally waived ahead Blake Hinson to open up its third two-way slot to amass the 7-foot-1 Koloko.
Per Spotrac, 6-foot-11 middle Colin Castleton and 6-foot-9 ahead Armel Traore occupy the opposite two-way positions. Koloko, 24, is awaiting clearance to play from the NBA’s Health-to-Play panel after lacking all of final season due to career-threatening blood clots.
Koloko, the No. 33 decide within the 2022 NBA draft by the Toronto Raptors, requires clearance from an NBA-appointed physician, a gamers union-appointed physician, and a mutually agreed upon third physician earlier than he can take part in basketball actions for Los Angeles.
OFFICIAL: Lakers signal middle Christian Koloko to a two-way contract. pic.twitter.com/VSISCe9JO0
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) September 16, 2024
The Lakers have carried out an unbiased evaluation of Koloko’s situation and have motive for optimism that he’ll be capable of play this season, sources knowledgeable ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
In 58 video games (22 begins) of his rookie 2022-23 season with Toronto, he averaged 3.1 factors, 2.9 rebounds, 1.o block, and 13.8 minutes per sport contest whereas capturing 48% from the sphere and 62.7% on the free throw line.
Los Angeles Lakers middle Christian Koloko might assist fill the function of the injured Christian Wooden
Moreover, in Toronto’s 113-104 win over the Chicago Bulls on Nov. 6, 2022, Koloko recorded profession highs of 11 factors and 6 blocks in 31 minutes as a starter. He additionally posted seven rebounds and two assists.
In keeping with NBA.com, Koloko made an influence on each ends of the court docket throughout his rookie season, ending with the most effective internet ranking amongst all Raptors gamers to seem in no less than 30 video games.
Koloko was declared out indefinitely resulting from “respiratory points” in Oct. 2023. He was waived by Toronto on Jan. 17, 2024, so as to full the commerce of All-Star ahead Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers.
The Lakers additionally retained key defenders in Anthony Davis and Jarred Vanderbilt this offseason. Nevertheless, it was reported final week that middle Christian Wooden underwent an arthroscopic surgical process on his left knee.
Wooden shall be reevaluated by workforce medical doctors in roughly eight weeks from Sept. 10, the workforce introduced. The Lakers will open coaching camp on Oct. 1 and start preseason play towards the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 4 in Palm Springs.
Los Angeles additionally opens its common season towards the Timberwolves on Oct. 22, six weeks from Sept. 10.
Koloko’s addition might be a strong signing for the Lakers. The Cameroonian hooper capped three seasons on the College of Arizona by averaging 12.6 factors, 7.3 rebounds and a couple of.8 blocks whereas being named the Pac-12 Defensive Participant of the 12 months.
