Report: Lakers to Sign Center Christian Koloko to 2-Way Contract... Can He Help?

Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers have needed help behind Anthony Davis all summer, and REALLY need help now that Christian Wood is out until at least November following knee surgery. (And could be out longer.) That leaves Jaxson Hayes as the only healthy true center left on the main roster. The Lakers do have Colin Castleton on a 2-way deal, but that has its limitations.

So this weekend, they got a little help, while working within the tight constraints in which they have to operate these days. They are set to sign former Raptors center Christian Koloko to a 2-way contract of his own, releasing forward Blake Hinson to make the space.

Koloko is a former high second rounder for Toronto, and played surprising amount for a very raw rookie back in 2022-23, showing some legitimate defensive potential. He almost certainly would have remained a Raptor last season, but Koloko ended up sidelined and then released after being diagnosed with a blood clotting issue. So what does he bring to the table? Defense, first and foremost and almost exclusively. Koloko moves well, is very athletic and showed real rim protection capability. He's also an awful offensive player. So think of him as a more extreme version of Hayes. Better defensively, but worse on the other end.

He certainly doesn't solve the team's problem at the center position, but he does provide a little optionality, and a specific skill set that could come in handy at one point or another. He can be active for 50 games before the team would have to make a decision about his contract status. That's a pretty good amount of time to figure stuff out. So between him, Hayes and Castleton, the Lakers can try to mix and match at least until Wood is healthy.

Meanwhile, Jeanie Buss was doing some media last week, and talked about the criticism the team has received for its very, very quiet offseason. Did she strike the right tone?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers to sign Christian Koloko.

SEGMENT 2: What will the Lakers do with Koloko. Can he help?

SEGMENT 3: Jeanie speaks to the media.

For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
Now through September 22nd, ALL FanDuel customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get a THREE WEEK free trial of NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube and YouTube TV. Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)