Two key members of the Los Angeles Lakers have made it clear that adding depth at center is a priority this offseason. It's been one of the unrelenting truths hanging over Rob Pelinka's head during an offseason that started with a bang and has been on pace to conclude with a whimper.
In the late hours of the 2024 offseason, however, the Lakers are positioned to take a chance on a player who fits perhaps the most pressing need on the roster.
In September of 2023, Dave McMenamin of ESPN reported that Anthony Davis had informed the Lakers that he would like to play fewer minutes at the 5. A year later, McMenamin published another report stating that Davis' request persists—and head coach JJ Redick has joined in him in asking for depth at center.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Lakers may have found an upside-based solution to the lack of depth at the 5: Christian Koloko.
Sources said the Lakers – in need for frontcourt help – are leaders to sign Koloko, the 22-year-old former Raptors second-round pick. He has been deciding among multiple teams and is now finalizing a commitment on a deal to make his NBA return. https://t.co/QEYw7Oqwvj
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 14, 2024
Koloko's NBA career was previously derailed by a blood clot that forced him into a temporary form of retirement, but he's since been cleared to return to the court.
Lakers eyeing free agent center Christian Koloko
Signing Koloko wouldn't completely resolve the issues at center, but it would act as an intriguing depth addition to the roster. The 24-year-old looked the part of an impact player on defense during the 2022-23 season and could add a layer of rim protection Los Angeles lacks beyond Davis.
During his lone NBA season, Koloko averaged 3.1 points and 2.9 rebounds in 13.8 minutes per game—numbers that are more intriguing than they appear.
Koloko pulled down 1.4 offensive rebounds and blocked 1.0 shot per game during that limited playing time. Overall, his season averages translated to 8.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.8 offensive boards, 2.6 blocks, and 0.9 steals per 36 minutes.
With a 7'5.25" wingspan and the proven ability to redirect shots, Koloko could be the rim protector the Lakers have been missing off the bench.
Pelinka's job wouldn't be done this summer if he were to simply sign Koloko, as a pressing need remains for a proven commodity. It's also fair to question how this potential signing would pan out considering Koloko hasn't played an NBA game since 2022-23, when he received limited minutes.
The effort is being made, however, to make a move that can help the Lakers not only honor Davis and Redick's respective requests, but create depth at a thin position.
In a perfect world, Koloko can provide somewhere around 20 minutes of value at the center position alongside Davis. Paired with Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood, there could be sufficient depth to make the regular season easier for the Lakers' franchise player.
It's an optimistic stance, but improvement has to start somewhere and the Lakers are finally beginning the process late in free agency.