The Los Angeles Lakers are expressing optimism regarding Koloko’s health and availability ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season. Christian Koloko, a former Toronto Raptors player, signed a two-way contract with the Lakers on Monday, marking a significant addition to their frontcourt. This move comes after Koloko missed much of the previous season due to a blood clot condition, a serious health issue that kept him off the court. However, recent reports indicate that the Los Angeles Lakers have reasons to believe Koloko’s health and availability will improve, allowing him to contribute in the upcoming season.
Christian Koloko, the 33rd overall pick from the 2022 NBA draft, has shown flashes of potential, despite the challenges he faced with his health last season. The center averaged 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game over 13.8 minutes of play. While these numbers may not stand out, they reflect a player with room to grow, especially considering his collegiate career. During his time with the Arizona Wildcats, Koloko averaged an impressive 12.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game, earning him a spot on the All-Pac-12 first team and the title of Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2022.
Koloko’s return to the NBA, however, is not solely in the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers. Before he can take the court, Koloko’s health and availability must be cleared by the NBA’s fitness-to-play panel, which is comprised of three medical officials: one selected by the league, one by the players’ union, and the third agreed upon by both. This panel will determine if Koloko is fit to return to professional basketball after his health scare. In the meantime, the Lakers have conducted their own assessment of Koloko’s health and availability, and according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, sources within the organization are optimistic about the center’s ability to contribute next season.
The Lakers’ decision to sign Koloko is more than just a gamble on a player recovering from a serious health condition; it’s also a strategic move to bolster their frontcourt, which has been a weakness in recent seasons. Anthony Davis, the team’s star center, has been carrying much of the defensive load for the Lakers, particularly when it comes to rebounding and protecting the rim. However, Davis has struggled with injuries over the past few seasons, including playing through a hip injury for much of the 2023-24 campaign. With Davis’s injury history in mind, the Lakers are looking to reduce his workload and ensure that he remains healthy throughout the season.
Adding Koloko to the roster gives the Lakers much-needed depth at the center position, relieving some of the pressure on Davis. While Koloko may not yet be at the level of a player like Davis, his defensive potential and shot-blocking ability make him a valuable asset, particularly against other top big men in the league like Nikola Jokic and Kristaps Porzingis. The Lakers struggled last season to contain dominant centers, and Koloko’s health and availability could help address that issue.
Waiving forward Blake Hinson to make room for Koloko on a two-way contract indicates that the Lakers are serious about strengthening their frontcourt and addressing the defensive shortcomings that plagued them last season. Although Koloko’s health and availability remain a concern, the team’s optimism suggests that they believe he can play a meaningful role in their pursuit of success in the upcoming season.
The acquisition of Christian Koloko represents both a calculated risk and a potential reward for the Lakers. The team is banking on Koloko’s health and availability improving, but if successful, this move could pay dividends for the Lakers in their quest to return to the top of the Western Conference. The addition of Koloko also signals the Lakers’ awareness of the need to support Anthony Davis, whose health has been a major storyline in recent seasons. By addressing the depth issues in their frontcourt, the Lakers are positioning themselves to better handle the rigors of the NBA season and the inevitable injuries that occur along the way.
In my opinion, the Lakers’ decision to take a chance on Koloko is a smart one. Given the stakes in the Western Conference, where teams like the Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks boast dominant big men, having a player like Koloko available could be crucial. While his health is still a question mark, the Lakers’ optimism is a positive sign, and if Koloko can regain his form, he could play a key role in their frontcourt rotation. It’s a low-risk, high-reward move that could ultimately help the Lakers compete for a championship once again.
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