Report: Lakers C Christian Koloko cleared to return
Dec 5, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Christian Koloko. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images Los Angeles Lakers center Christian Koloko has received medical clearance to return after being sidelined more than a year with a blood clot issue, ESPN reported Tuesday.
He received the OK from the NBA's fitness-to-play panel and will begin practicing with the Lakers this week, per the report.
Koloko, 24, missed the entire 2023-24 season with the Toronto Raptors, who waived him in January. He signed with the Lakers on Sept. 16.
The 7-foot-1 Cameroon native played in 58 games (19 starts) with the Raptors as a rookie in 2022-23, averaging 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and 13.8 minutes. Toronto drafted him in the second round (33rd overall) in 2022 out of Arizona.
Koloko can provide some frontcourt depth behind All-Star starter Anthony Davis. The Lakers' backup center is former NBA lottery pick Jaxson Hayes, now in his second season with Los Angeles after four seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans.
--Field Level Media
- NBA Picks for Wednesday, January 7: Best Basketball Bets
- College Basketball Picks for Tuesday January 6th: Top CBB Bets
- NBA Picks for Monday, January 5: Best Bets for NBA Tonight
- Best NFL Player Props for Week 18: Final Week Betting Guide
- Ravens vs Steelers Week 18 Sunday Night Football Betting Picks
- Best NBA Bets Today: January 3rd Top Basketball Betting Picks
- Best NFL Saturday Jan 3rd Week 18 Betting Picks, Predictions
