The Los Angeles Lakers have tasked JJ Redick with finding rotational value in relatively unconventional ways. It's admittedly on brand for the Lakers, which are facing the consequences of trading away first-round draft picks that could've produced cost-efficient talent, but it's an uphill battle nonetheless.
One of the early success stories in Los Angeles is a player who's back on the court after spending a full season away from the NBA: Christian Koloko.
Koloko was selected at No. 33 overall by the Toronto Raptors at the 2022 NBA Draft. He showed promise as a high-level shot blocker during his rookie season, averaging 1.0 block per game and 2.6 blocks per 36 minutes.
Unfortunately, Koloko was forced to step away from the NBA and miss the entire 2023-24 season due to a blood clot issue.
It was a devastating turn of events that many feared could end his career before it could truly unfold. Thankfully, Koloko was cleared to return to the NBA for the 2024-25 season—and the Lakers are already reaping the benefits of his presence.
Franchise player Anthony Davis made it clear how impressed he is with Koloko for thriving despite his limited familiarity with how Los Angeles plays and operates.
AD on Koloko: "He's been great with not much practice time. He's come in, learned the plays, true professional." pic.twitter.com/mUJH4LtkFh
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) November 17, 2024
It's only been five games, but the former Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year is already showcasing the potential to become the ideal interior complement.
Anthony Davis praises Christian Koloko for learning on the fly
Koloko has received double-digit minutes from the Lakers in each of the past three games, including four of the past five. The most recent outing was a 104-99 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, during which he played 11 minutes.
Koloko made a massive impact off the bench, providing six points, six rebounds, four offensive boards, one assist, one block, and a steal in that limited time.
Koloko's ability to create second chances was perhaps his most valuable ability during the win over the Pelicans. It was a great night for the Lakers overall in that regard, as they pulled down an absurd 17 offensive boards, but Koloko's individual impact must be acknowledged.
Two of Koloko's offensive rebounds were pulled down during the second quarter, and both led to Lakers points—at a time when Los Angeles was struggling to overcome an 11-point deficit.
Koloko then started off the fourth quarter with yet another offensive board, a tip-shot that got the Lakers on the board early. For that matter, he scored four of the Lakers' first six points during the final period, also coming up with a steal.
Those plays epitomized the value he can bring to a Los Angeles squad that's been desperately searching for answers at center.
With Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood sidelined by injuries, Koloko has stepped in to provide the size, rebounding, and defensive presence the team has needed from the second unit. He plays with energy and focus, and should only improve the more comfortable he becomes.
If Koloko can tap into his full potential, then the Lakers could have a key rotational piece for years to come.