The Los Angeles Lakers have been frustratingly quiet in the offseason, failing to sign any free agents or improve the roster. They are reportedly close to making the first free-agent signing of the offseason according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Christian Koloko, who was a second-round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, is finalizing a deal that would make him a Laker for the 2024-25 season. The addition of the 7-foot-1 center will certainly make Anthony Davis happy.
NBA News: Lakers Reportedly Closing in On Signing Christian Koloko
Davis has recently reiterated his desire to play next to another center. Koloko will help him do that for more extended minutes.
The Los Angeles Lakers are thin in the frontcourt. Jaxson Hayes disappointed in his role last season, and Christian Wood just underwent surgery that will keep him out for at least the first month of the season. They desperately needed more help in the interior, so them targeting Koloko makes plenty of sense.
Koloko had a promising rookie season with the Toronto Raptors where he showed intriguing defensive ability. He is an excellent rim protector with good length, highlighted by his average of one block per game in 13.8 minutes of action in the 2022-23 season.
However, Koloko's NBA career was cut short when a blood clot issue was discovered. He was waived by the Raptors and referred to the league's Fitness-to-Play panel which prevented him from playing or signing with an NBA team. Now, he is awaiting clearance to play by the league office but the fact that the Lakers are close to signing him shows that they are confident that he will be allowed to play.
