Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 11, 2024 2:46 am GMT
As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for the upcoming NBA season, they find themselves in a crucial position—on the brink of potentially signing 7-footer Christian Koloko, who is seen as a key addition to bolster their frontcourt. Reports indicate that the Lakers are emerging as frontrunners to secure a deal with the young center, who is finalizing a return to the league.
Koloko’s Journey and Recent Developments
Christian Koloko was previously drafted by the Toronto Raptors in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft, having impressed during his college career at the University of Arizona. Despite displaying promise, Koloko faced significant challenges after being waived by the Raptors in January 2024 due to medical concerns, including career-threatening blood clot issues.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Koloko is now awaiting clearance to return to play from the NBA’s fitness panel, but he is eligible to sign a contract immediately. The Lakers are not alone in their pursuit; they are competing with teams like the Clippers and Spurs for Koloko’s services. However, the Lakers’ previous connection to Koloko, who moved to the U.S. from Cameroon in 2017 and attended Sierra Canyon High School, positions them favorably.
Addressing the Lakers’ Frontcourt Needs
This offseason, the Lakers’ most pressing requirement has been enhancing their frontcourt depth. While they retained Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes for the 2024-25 season, concerns linger about their ability to contend with the league’s elite big men. The existing roster places much of the defensive burden on star player Anthony Davis, who has expressed a preference for playing alongside another center to optimize team performance.
Koloko’s size and skill set could significantly alleviate this burden. In his NBA career spanning 58 games, Koloko has averaged 3.1 points and 2.9 rebounds in approximately 14 minutes of play. His return could provide the Lakers with a deeper and more versatile front line to tackle opponents effectively.
Potential Contract Options
Given the current full roster situation for the Lakers, they may need to explore different contractual arrangements to accommodate Koloko. One likely option could be an Exhibit 10 contract or a two-way deal, allowing him to demonstrate his health and ability to contribute at the professional level. This approach would enable the Lakers to assess Koloko’s readiness while also providing him with an opportunity to earn a standard contract moving forward.
Impact of Injuries on Lakers’ Strategy
The urgency for frontcourt reinforcements has been heightened by recent developments. Christian Wood underwent left knee surgery and is expected to miss at least eight weeks. This injury places additional pressure on the Lakers to seek out a viable replacement, further underscoring the potential value of signing Koloko.
With the combination of Koloko’s size, experience, and the recent injuries affecting frontcourt players, his addition could provide a significant boost to the Lakers’ roster depth as they prepare for the season ahead.
Looking Ahead
As the Lakers finalize their preparations for the upcoming training camp, securing Koloko’s commitment could represent a crucial step in improving their chances for success in the 2024-25 NBA season. The desire to reinforce the frontcourt is palpable, especially as the team aims to contend for a championship.
Koloko has some great connections and a lot of potential. What happens in these talks could really shape how the Lakers do in the next few months. They are a team to keep an eye on as they try to make their team even better before the new season starts.
