"Announcement: Lakers Intend to Add C Christian Koloko to Roster"
The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly signed Christian Koloko, a 7-foot center who sat out last season due to a blood clot problem. According to The Athletic and the Los Angeles Times, the contract was agreed upon on Saturday.
Koloko, a native of Cameroon, missed the entire 2023-24 season with the Toronto Raptors. He was waived by the team in January after being placed in the league's Fitness-to-Play Panel due to health concerns.
Before he can return to the court, the 24-year-old will need to be cleared by the Fitness-to-Play Panel. However, he is allowed to sign with a team before receiving clearance.
The Raptors drafted Koloko in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2022 NBA Draft from Arizona. In his rookie season of 2022-23, he averaged 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.0 blocks, and 13.8 minutes in 58 games (19 starts).
The Lakers are in need of frontcourt support, particularly for All-Star Anthony Davis. They currently have Jaxson Hayes as their only true center, while Christian Wood is recovering from left knee surgery, Jarred Vanderbilt has a foot injury, and Rui Hachimura suffered a calf strain during the Paris Olympics.
