The Lakers and free-agent large man Christian Koloko have agreed to a contract, agent Calvin Andrews instructed Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link).
Charania did not specify what sort of contract Koloko will signal with the Lakers, however mentioned the previous Arizona star is anticipated to compete for frontcourt minutes.
Koloko is on the comeback path after lacking your complete 2023-24 season as a result of a blood-clot issue. Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy reported in July that the seven-footer had obtained medical clearance to renew enjoying, whereas Andrews said last month that his shopper had a “main breakthrough” along with his blood-clot subject, which was addressed by way of corrective surgical procedure.
Though Koloko remains to be awaiting formal clearance from the NBA’s Health-to-Play panel, it seems like he continues to development in the appropriate course. And in response to Charania, the 24-year-old is technically eligible to signal with a staff earlier than being cleared by that panel.
The Clippers, the Spurs, and his former staff, the Raptors, have been additionally serious about signing Koloko, as Charania reported on Friday night time.
The thirty third general 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 block in 13.8 minutes per sport throughout 58 appearances (19 begins). He was the Pac 12’s Defensive Participant of the 12 months and Most Improved Participant in his ultimate school season at Arizona in 2021-22.
The Lakers shall be with out middle Christian Wood this fall after the large man lately underwent knee surgery, which is anticipated to sideline him for at the least eight weeks, so they may use extra depth up entrance. Nevertheless, Los Angeles is presently carrying 15 gamers on absolutely assured customary contracts and is narrowly working beneath the second tax apron.
It’s unclear if the Lakers’ plan can be to signal Koloko to a normal 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.