Lakers frontrunners to signal ex-Raptors massive man after scary medical difficulty

The Los Angeles Lakers have not finished a lot in the way in which of bettering their roster this offseason. However with the current damage improvement to Christian Wooden, who underwent an arthroscopic surgical process on his left knee which might then maintain him out for at least eight weeks, the Lakers could must bolster their frontcourt. On cue, the Purple and Gold are reportedly the favourite to signal rim-protecting middle Christian Koloko, as per Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Koloko confirmed some promise as a rotation piece throughout his 2022-23 rookie marketing campaign for the Toronto Raptors. He performed in 58 video games, even beginning 19 of them, and he averaged one block a recreation — owing to his defensive instincts and timing. Nevertheless, Koloko missed everything of the 2023-24 season, with experiences popping out in January of this yr that the 24-year-old massive man was going through blood-clot points that might be doubtlessly career-threatening.

Now, it is unclear whether or not or not Christian Koloko might be allowed again into the NBA. Per Charania, Koloko will nonetheless be topic to an analysis from the league’s Health-To-Play panel, which can then deem if he has put his blood-clot points within the rearview mirror.

As for the Lakers, nothing is ultimate but on the Koloko entrance. They’re merely the frontrunners for the massive man’s providers, with groups such because the Raptors, Los Angeles Clippers, and San Antonio Spurs additionally exhibiting curiosity within the middle out of Arizona.

However so far as no-risk signings go, the Lakers might do far worse than to bolster their frontcourt rotation with the signing of Koloko. With Wooden out to start the yr, they should depend on Jaxson Hayes to fill the majority of the minutes behind Anthony Davis. Jarred Vanderbilt can be going through loads of uncertainty concerning the foot damage that stored him out from February 2024 till the top of the marketing campaign.

Koloko could be very uncooked on the offensive finish, however that would not be too massive of an issue for a Lakers workforce with loads of playmakers on the roster. The hope in fact is that his blood-clot points have disappeared and {that a} lengthy and productive NBA profession is what’s awaiting him, be it with the Lakers or one other workforce.

Lakers’ resolution to face pat: smart or daft?

The one main additions the Lakers made for the upcoming season is to herald two kids in Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. Whereas Knecht is anticipated to play a task within the rotation due to his skill to house the ground, James will want just a few years to marinate earlier than he makes an influence for the workforce.

Significantly, the Lakers principally introduced again the identical workforce from final season, solely dropping Spencer Dinwiddie and Taurean Prince in free company whereas including a grand whole of zero gamers from the open market. The entrance workplace is biding their time in relation to pushing their chips to the middle of the desk, however time is of the essence, particularly with LeBron James nearing 40 years of age.

The Lakers predict inner enhancements; maybe with higher well being to Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, and an emergence from Max Christie, they might enhance upon final yr’s 47-35 end. Possibly head coach JJ Redick designs a system that makes probably the most out of the Lakers’ present personnel. Solely time will inform if the Lakers are good to take it gradual, however for now, their title hopes aren’t trying too promising.