Lakers Sign Christian Koloko to Two-Way Contract, Waive Blake Hinson
The Los Angeles Lakers have bolstered their roster by signing free agent center Christian Koloko to a two-way contract. Standing at an imposing 7-foot-1, Koloko brings a towering presence to the team but is widely considered a developmental project at this stage of his career.
To make room for Koloko, the Lakers have waived forward Blake Hinson, clearing the third two-way slot. Koloko joins center Colin Castleton and forward Armel Traore, who stands at 6-foot-9, as the team's current two-way contract players.
Koloko's journey to the Lakers has been anything but straightforward. Selected as the No. 33 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors, Koloko's rookie season was primarily derailed by a serious blood clot issue. This health complication sidelined him for the entire season, raising concerns about his long-term viability in the league.
Before signing him, the Lakers conducted an independent assessment of Koloko's condition, which appears promising. However, Koloko's return to the court hinges on clearance from the NBA's "fitness-to-play panel." This panel includes an NBA-appointed doctor, a players union-appointed doctor, and a third mutually agreed-upon doctor to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.
Despite the challenges, Koloko's college career at the University of Arizona showcases his potential. Over three seasons with the Wildcats, he developed into a formidable presence on the court. In his final season, he averaged 12.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game, earning the title of Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year for his stellar defensive play.
As for his brief stint with the Raptors, Koloko averaged 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 13.8 minutes per game during his first season. These numbers suggest a player still finding his footing in the NBA but possessing the raw skills to be a valuable asset.
The Lakers' faith in Koloko appears to be cautiously optimistic. His ability to join the active roster and contribute effectively could have a significant impact on the team's season. With his height and defensive skills, Koloko offers a promising addition to the Lakers' front court.
("We are excited to have Christian join our organization," a Lakers spokesperson remarked. This quote is fictional and offered for context fittingly within sports journalism narrative conventions.)
While the road ahead includes hurdles like securing medical clearance, the Lakers' strategic acquisition of Koloko reflects their commitment to developing young talent and addressing their needs. The success of this decision will be monitored closely as the season progresses.