Christian Koloko, who previously played for the Toronto Raptors, has formally signed a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. The information, first shared by Shams Charania of The Athletic, follows interest from various teams such as the Los Angeles Clippers, Toronto Raptors, and San Antonio Spurs, in the 24-year-old player.
Overcoming Health Challenges
Koloko has faced challenges on his path back to the NBA. At the beginning of this year, the Toronto Raptors released him in order to complete a deal that involved sending All-Star forward Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers. Soon after, Koloko experienced a significant obstacle when he received a diagnosis of a blood clot problem that could jeopardize his career. Due to respiratory issues in October 2023, he was kept off the court indefinitely as health concerns arose. In spite of these obstacles, Koloko stays optimistic and is anticipating approval from the NBA’s fitness panel to be able to participate in games or training.
Koloko’s Rookie Impact
Chosen as the 33rd overall pick in the 2022 draft, Koloko demonstrated his talent during his first season as a rookie. In just 13.8 minutes on the court, he appeared in 58 games for the Raptors, with an average of 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game. He showcased undeniable defensive skills, leading the team in net rating among players with at least 30 game appearances.
What Koloko Brings to the Lakers
Koloko hopes to bolster the Lakers’ frontcourt, which already boasts top defenders such as Anthony Davis and Jarred Vanderbilt, with his shot-blocking abilities and focus on defense. If given the green light to participate, his presence could add important support to the team and enhance the Lakers’ defense for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
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