Report: Lakers C Christian Koloko cleared to return
Christian Koloko, center for the Los Angeles Lakers, has been given medical clearance to return to the team after being out for over a year due to a blood clot issue, according to a report from ESPN on Tuesday.
He received approval from the NBA's fitness-to-play committee and will start practicing with the Lakers this week, as stated in the report.
Koloko, who is 24 years old and originally from Cameroon, did not play at all during the 2023-24 season with the Toronto Raptors, who released him in January. He joined the Lakers on September 16.
During his rookie season in 2022-23, the 7-foot-1 player appeared in 58 games (with 19 starts) for the Raptors, averaging 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.0 blocks, and 13.8 minutes. He was selected by Toronto in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2022 draft from the University of Arizona.
Koloko will add depth to the frontcourt, supporting All-Star starter Anthony Davis. The Lakers' backup center is Jaxson Hayes, a former NBA lottery pick who is now in his second season with Los Angeles after spending four seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans.
