According to reports, the Los Angeles Lakers are set to regain a key rotation player, providing crucial support for LeBron James and Anthony Davis throughout the NBA season.
The Los Angeles Lakers dropped their first game of the 2024-25 NBA season on Monday against the Phoenix Suns . With LeBron James underperforming, Anthony Davis struggled to carry the team alone. However, with an upcoming game against the Cleveland Cavaliers , the Lakers are reportedly regaining a key player in their rotation .
After being sidelined for over a year due to a blood clot diagnosed in April 2023, center Christian Koloko is set to return. NBA Insider Shams Charania posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Lakers 7-footer Christian Koloko has been medically cleared by the NBA’s fitness-to-play panel, sources tell ESPN.”
Shams Charania’s post on X about Christian Koloko’s situation.
Advertisement
This is welcome news for head coach JJ Redick, who has faced challenges finding consistent production off the bench, aside from sporadic contributions from Dalton Knetch. Koloko’s presence will provide much-needed depth and offer a defensive boost alongside Davis.
Coach Redick has been conservative with rotation minutes early in the season; apart from the starting five (LeBron, AD, Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell, and Austin Reaves), only Gabe Vincent has averages more than 17 minutes per game (17.5).
Christian Koloko #35 of the Toronto Raptors looks on against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on October 26, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Koloko’s last season
Koloko was selected as the 33rd pick by the Toronto Raptors, appearing in 58 games and averaging 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks during the 2022-23 season. In April 2023, he was sidelined after being diagnosed with respiratory issues, later identified as a serious blood clot that put his career at risk.
When will Koloko play for the Lakers?
Though cleared for play, Koloko’s return to the court will likely require some time. His agent, Calvin Andrews, confirmed to ESPN that the center will begin full basketball activities this week.
While no official return date has been set, Koloko is expected to join the South Bay Lakers’ G League training camp for a conditioning period before potentially joining the main roster.
News
Lakers-Suns Reaction: Durant TAKES OVER, LeBron James “one of WORST GAMES as a pro”
Lakers-Suns Reaction: Durant TAKES OVER, LeBron James Has “One of Worst Games as a Pro” In a thrilling showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Phoenix Suns pulled off a remarkable comeback to defeat the…
LeBron And JJ Planned This All Along
LeBron and JJ Planned This All Along In the ever-evolving world of basketball, behind-the-scenes strategies and alliances often shape the outcome of games and seasons. One such intriguing narrative that has recently come to light involves none other than…
The Brilliance of the Warriors’ Secret Weapon: Heart Over Hustle, Steph Curry Hypes the Win…
The Brilliance of the Warriors’ Secret Weapon: Heart Over Hustle, Steph Curry Hypes the Win… In the high-stakes world of the NBA, where talent and tactics often dominate the conversation, the Golden State Warriors have found a hidden…
An Undrafted Player Will Make Zion Cry; Curry is Hyped, Warriors Have Their Own Dennis Rodman!
An Undrafted Player Will Make Zion Cry; Curry is Hyped, Warriors Have Their Own Dennis Rodman! In the world of the NBA, stories of undrafted players making significant impacts are always compelling. This season, the Golden State Warriors have…
‘There’s NO ANSWER for Anthony Davis’ 😤 – Shannon Sharpe is higher on Lakers than Suns
‘There’s NO ANSWER for Anthony Davis’ – Shannon Sharpe is Higher on Lakers Than Suns In a recent episode of “Undisputed,” Shannon Sharpe made a bold statement about Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis, declaring that there’s “no answer”…
Panic Mounts For Warriors After Shaquille O’Neal Sacrifices His Love For Stephen Curry On Inside The NBA
Things aren’t looking good for Stephen Curry or the Warriors. And Shaquille O’Neal, with much difficulty, also had to agree with his fellow TNT host, Charles Barkley, that there might indeed be no hope any longer for the Dubs. For…
End of content
No more pages to load