The Lakers and free-agent huge man Christian Koloko have agreed to a contract, agent Calvin Andrews informed Shams Charania of The Athletic (X link).
Charania did not specify what sort of contract Koloko will signal with the Lakers however stated the previous Arizona star is predicted to compete for frontcourt minutes.
Koloko is on the comeback path after lacking your complete 2023-24 season as a consequence of a blood-clot issue. Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy reported in July that the seven-footer had obtained medical clearance to renew taking part in, whereas Andrews said last month that his consumer had a “main breakthrough” together with his blood-clot challenge, which was addressed by way of corrective surgical procedure.
Though Koloko continues to be awaiting formal clearance from the NBA’s Health-to-Play panel, it seems like he continues to pattern in the precise route. And in line with Charania, the 24-year-old is technically eligible to signal with a group earlier than being cleared by that panel.
The Clippers, the Spurs, and his former group, the Raptors, have been additionally serious about signing Koloko, as Charania reported on Friday night time.
The thirty third total decide within the 2022 draft, Koloko appeared in 58 video games for Toronto as a rookie, averaging 3.1 factors, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 13.8 minutes per sport throughout 58 appearances (19 begins). He was the Pac-12’s Defensive Participant of the Yr and Most Improved Participant in his ultimate faculty season at Arizona in 2021-22.
The Lakers might be with out middle Christian Wood this fall after the large man just lately underwent knee surgery, which is predicted to sideline him for a minimum of eight weeks, so they may use extra depth up entrance. Nevertheless, Los Angeles is at present carrying 15 gamers on totally assured commonplace contracts and is narrowly working beneath the second tax apron.
It’s unclear if the Lakers’ plan could be to signal Koloko to an ordinary deal or maybe to convey him on a two-way contract. Inking him to a two-way pact would require waiving one in every of Armel Traore, Blake Hinson or Colin Castleton, who currently occupy L.A.’s two-way slots.
