Lakers Sign 7-Footer Christian Koloko, Enhancing Frontcourt Depth in NBA Free Agency

Christian Koloko Eyes NBA Comeback with Los Angeles Lakers

Former Toronto Raptors center Christian Koloko is set to make an NBA comeback, having agreed to a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to reports from Shams Charania and Dan Woike. However, Koloko still needs clearance from the league's Fitness-to-Play Panel before officially joining the team.

Koloko, a second-round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, played 58 games with the Raptors during his rookie season. Although he demonstrated defensive potential, he was waived in January as part of the Pascal Siakam trade. This move surprised many, especially after it was revealed that Koloko had been dealing with potentially career-threatening blood clots, which prevented him from playing or practicing until he was cleared.

The Fitness-to-Play Panel, consisting of one physician appointed by the NBA, one appointed by the Players Association, and a third agreed upon by the first two, will determine Koloko’s fitness to return to play based on a majority vote. While Koloko has not yet received full clearance, he is permitted to sign with a team in the interim.

Should Koloko be approved to return, he will bolster the Lakers' frontcourt, which is currently in need of depth. Aside from Anthony Davis, the Lakers' frontcourt options include Jaxson Hayes, Christian Wood, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt. Hayes is the only true center among them, and the others face various health issues: Wood is recovering from knee surgery expected to sideline him for at least two months, Vanderbilt might not be ready for training camp due to a foot injury, and Hachimura left the Olympics early with a calf strain. Given these uncertainties, Koloko represents a low-risk, high-reward addition to the Lakers' lineup. Additionally, there has been recent speculation about Davis' desire to play alongside another big man, which aligns with Koloko’s potential role on the team.