The Los Angeles Lakers have made no secret of their interest in helping Anthony Davis with his downturn. They have prioritized the development of Jackson Hayes, placed emphasis on offensive rebounding for players in each position, and have actively worked to develop the trade market.
One quiet move that might give Los Angeles some resolve was the acquisition of former Toronto Raptors center Christian Koloco late in the offseason.
Koloco was on a rapid trajectory to a strong NBA career when he was forced to leave the association due to a life-threatening blood clot. Since then, he has worked tirelessly to resolve his medical concerns and return to the court, signing with the Lakers in mid-September.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Koloko is now medically cleared to return to the court, opening the door for the Lakers to begin the growth process.
The Lakers’ 7-foot Christian Coloko has been medically cleared by the NBA’s Fitness to Play Committee, officials told ESPN.
Koloco is expected to begin practicing with the Lakers this week, gearing up for his first play since April 2023 due to a blood clot issue that threatened his career. pic.twitter.com/dS7QrlrptC
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 29, 2024
This is one of the best stories in sports, as well as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Lakers to move on with an attractive talent.
Koloko, 24, was selected by the Raptors with the 33rd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. He received critical acclaim in his final season at the collegiate level, earning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and Most Improved Player honors.
During his 2022-23 NBA rookie season, Koloco continued to show remarkable progress not only on the offensive glass but also on the defensive end of the floor.
Koloco averaged 3.1 points and 2.9 rebounds in 13.8 minutes per game, but that’s not going to be exciting or intriguing. But in that limited time frame, he averaged 1.4 offensive rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game.
These numbers equate to 3.8 offensive rebounds and 2.6 blocks per 36 minutes. The Lakers will definitely benefit from this type of production in 2024-25.
Koloco will likely begin his official return to the NBA with the G League’s South Bay Lakers. He signed with Los Angeles on a two-way contract that allows for roster flexibility, which should allow the 24-year-old to play at the highest level sooner rather than later.
He also further supports head coach JJ Redick, who said there is a symbiotic relationship between the Lakers’ NBA and G League teams.
It’s unclear what Koloco can offer after a season away from the NBA, but the upside is clear. He has massive stature at 7’0″, 230 lbs. and a 7’5.25″ wingspan, and has already proven to be useful on both ends of the floor.
There may still be a long process ahead for Koloco and the Lakers, but receiving the green light to return to the court is a big step in the right direction.
