Just a day after they were revealed to be the leaders to sign Christian Koloko, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports that the big man has agreed to a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers and seven-foot center Christian Koloko have agreed on a deal, agent Calvin Andrews of Klutch Sports says. Koloko is expected to have an opportunity for a role in Lakers frontcourt after he receives clearance from league’s fitness panel. https://t.co/QEYw7Or4kR
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 14, 2024
Koloko is “expected to have an opportunity for a role in Lakers frontcourt after he receives clearance from league’s fitness panel.” The 23-year-old has already been OK’d by his doctors after missing 2023-24 with a blood clotting issue.
Lakers Make Necessary Christian Koloko Signing; Job’s Not Finished
Koloko “is expected to join the Lakers on a two-way contract,” per Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times.
Koloko is expected to join the Lakers on a two-way contract but the team must release one of the three players it has currently signed to two-way deals. https://t.co/2qNnESDVRL
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) September 14, 2024
In order to complete the move, they’ll need to release one of Colin Castleton, Armel Traore, and Blake Hinson. As Castleton plays the same position, he may be the odd man out. However, Koloko is needed to shore up their thin center depth. As a result, Traore is the most likely cut. To be frank, the Frenchman is the least proven and least skilled of their two-way players.
Could He Sign A Standard Deal?
Of note, the Lakers have 15 players signed to standard contracts. So, L.A. would have to trade or release a player to make room for Koloko regardless. Nonetheless, as previously mentioned, the Lakers need to fortify their depth at the five spot.
Playing on a two-way deal may be best for both sides though. Koloko does need to work himself back into game shape after missing an entire season. Yet, with just one season of experience, he still needs to develop. When or if assigned to the G League, it’ll help him make incremental progress towards where he wants to be.
