Reports: Lakers plan to sign C Christian Koloko

Field Level Media|published: Sat 14th September, 18:12 2024

Apr 14, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Toronto Raptors center Christian Koloko (35) grabs a rebound over Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith (24) during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Center Christian Koloko, who missed all of last season because of a blood clot issue, has agreed to a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, The Athletic and the Los Angeles Times reported on Saturday.

The 7-footer missed the entire 2023-24 season with the Toronto Raptors, who waived him in January after he was placed in the league's Fitness-to-Play Panel because of health concerns.

A native of Cameroon, Koloko, 24, will have to be cleared to play by the Fitness-to-Play Panel before he can return to the court, though he is allowed to sign with a team before being cleared to play.

The Raptors selected Koloko in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2022 NBA Draft out of Arizona. He averaged 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and 13.8 minutes in 58 games (19) starts his rookie season of 2022-23.

The Lakers are looking for help in the frontcourt beyond All-Star Anthony Davis. They have true center Jaxson Hayes, while Christian Wood recently had left knee surgery, Jarred Vanderbilt has a foot issue and Rui Hachimura sustained a calf strain during the Paris Olympics.

--Field Level Media

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