By adding center Christian Koloko to a two-way contract this offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers have strengthened their front-court depth in front of the new campaign.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers’ superstar pair, are the main reason they have hope for a competitive season even with a mostly unchanged squad. With a wingspan of seven feet five inches and an outstanding height of seven feet one, Koloko is a tremendous asset to the team, especially when he lines up next to Anthony Davis. But Koloko’s road hasn’t been easy; he had health issues following a major blood clot that kept him out of action for the whole previous season. This situation has made others wonder if he is available and prepared to assist in a meaningful way.
A team source stated, “There’s reason for optimism that he will be able to play this season,” after an outside evaluation of Koloko’s health. He averaged 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and one block in 58 games during his rookie season with the Toronto Raptors. These achievements demonstrated his defensive potential and ability, which were first shown during his NCAA career when he won the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year. The Lakers dismissed Blake Hinsonke to make room for Koloko on their roster, highlighting their deliberate decision to strengthen their front-court alternatives. Koloko may be a key player for the Lakers going forward, giving them the defensive expertise and depth they need to meet the difficulties of an increasingly competitive NBA. As a whole, even though this offseason