Lakers sign former Raptors center Christian Koloko, despite his health concerns, to a two-way contract after weeks of inactivity.
The off-season trade has been successful for some teams and unsuccessful for others. The Los Angeles Lakers belong to the latter category as they have failed to provide big-name support for their aging superstars. Instead, they signed young center Christian Koloko to a two-way contract after weeks of inactivity, as reported by Shams Charania.
It’s worth noting to fans that Koloko, who last played for the Toronto Raptors, isn’t ready to start as he missed all of last season due to a blood clotting issue. The move is on hold, pending clearance from the league’s Fitness-to-Play panel.
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.Shams Charania wrote on X
The Lakers have already taken a big risk by drafting Bronny James, as he had to clear the same panel first. However, this move presents an opportunity for Koloko to develop in the G League as he competes for rotation minutes on the Purple and Gold roster.
He brings to the team a dominant presence with a height of 7’1″, as he is well-known for his shot-blocking, a quality that could come in handy for the Lakers. And the opportunity to develop alongside Anthony Davis must have been an opportunity he couldn’t resist.
This signing comes after the Lakers failed to lure Klay Thompson. In fact, James was ready to take a pay cut for the Lakers to bring in Thompson. Unfortunately, he joined the Mavericks.
LA Lakers fans react to the signing of Christian Koloko
The Los Angeles Lakers finally witnessed eternal rivals, the Boston Celtics go ahead of them in the ranking of most NBA titles won and needed to make their mark in the off-season trade. However, they have been unsuccessful in that regard as they have seen targets move to other teams instead.
The signing of Christian Koloko doesn’t provoke confidence as fans have come to social media to blast the Lakers’ front office. One fan wrote: “Lakers finally got someone,” in an effort to mock the trade business.
Other social media reactions:
The Lakers ended up with Koloko while losing out on Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks and Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers. Moreover, with LeBron James approaching retirement, he is not expected to perform week-in and out like he used to. The pressure is now on GM Rob Pelinka to provide the necessary support before they get swarmed up when the competition gets tougher. And this might be the last chance King James has at silverware.