The Lakers may, surprisingly, make a key turnover in the reclamation project

The Los Angeles Lakers did not make any spectacular trades or acquisitions during the NBA offseason as they prepare to compete for a chance at a record 18th championship. One move they made that caused an uproar in the Lakers community was the signing of a new two-way player, Christian Koloko, a center who previously played for the Toronto Raptors.

Lakers training camp has started, and Koloko has not yet participated because he is waiting for a medical certificate from the NBA fitness commission. Koloko has not played in an official regular season game since October 2023 after being sidelined indefinitely due to blood clotting issues. In September 2024, the Lakers decided to sign Koloko to a two-way contract after it was announced that he was eligible to join the organization. Koloko is expected to be able to practice with the Lakers over the next few days, which could allow him to play a key role in Los Angeles’ lineup rotation.

Sources: Los Angeles Lakers Christian Koloko (blood clot issues) has not received any clearance from the NBA’s fitness panel as of yet as training camp begins on October 1. They have submitted all medical information to the Fitness-to-Play Panel and are waiting for settlement. pic.twitter.com/u3mJlrTueb

— Aryan Bhullar (@ArySinghBhullar) September 30, 2024

The Raptors selected Koloko 33rd overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. As a rookie, he played in 58 games, averaging 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 13.8 minutes per game. Koloko’s main contribution to the Lakers will likely come on the defensive end. Known for his ability to block shots and protect the rim, the former Toronto Raptors big man can be disruptive on the court.

Koloko could be a great center to pair with Lakers superstar Anthony Davis, who said in the Los Angeles office that he would prefer to play fewer minutes at the center position. During the Lakers’ 2020 championship run, Davis thrived alongside physical, rebounding and rim-driving centers like Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee. Koloko could be able to relieve some of the pressure on Davis to anchor the Lakers’ defense, which in turn will give the superstar forward more freedom in the frontcourt.

Because Davis often plays the forward position to protect his body throughout the grueling season, the Lakers typically rotated a backup center to fill the gaps. Koloko is expected to compete for those minutes. Whether he becomes the Lakers’ full-time backup center or splits time with other players in the frontcourt will depend on how he develops during training camp and early in the season.

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