Christian Koloko & Trey Jemison III, who were on two-way contracts, were not converted to standard deals, which makes them playoff ineligible, per. Dave McMenamin
The NBA season is a long and grueling journey, with twists and turns that often determine a team’s fortunes as much as skill and strategy. For teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, who always have championship aspirations, every decision—whether it’s roster construction, player development, or contract management—carries significant weight. Recently, the Lakers made a decision regarding two players on their roster that may have major implications for their playoff prospects. Christian Koloko and Trey Jemison III, both of whom were signed to two-way contracts, were not converted to standard deals, rendering them ineligible for the playoffs.
This decision, as reported by Dave McMenamin, has raised questions about the Lakers’ long-term plans for these two players, the reasons behind the non-conversions, and how it impacts their playoff readiness. Let’s break down what this move means for the Lakers, the two players involved, and the larger context surrounding NBA contract conversions and playoff eligibility.
Two-Way Contracts Explained
Before diving into the specifics of Koloko and Jemison’s situation, it’s important to understand the role of two-way contracts in the NBA. Two-way contracts are special agreements that allow teams to sign players to a hybrid deal. These players can spend up to 45 days with the NBA team during the regular season and the rest of the time with their G League affiliate. While they are technically on the NBA roster, their primary development occurs in the G League.
For players on two-way contracts, one of the most significant consequences of not being converted to a standard NBA deal is playoff ineligibility. While a two-way contract provides an opportunity for development and exposure to the highest level of competition, it does not offer the same privileges as a full contract, especially when it comes to postseason play. This means that, regardless of their performance or contributions throughout the season, Koloko and Jemison will not be available for the Lakers during the critical stretch of the playoffs unless their contracts are converted.
For the Lakers, this decision carries its own set of ramifications. The absence of these two players in the postseason could be seen as a sign that the team is focusing on other needs as the roster tightens for the playoff push.
Christian Koloko: A Promising Young Big Man
Christian Koloko, a 7-foot center out of Arizona, was drafted in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft. The Lakers initially saw potential in him due to his combination of size, length, and defensive versatility. Koloko’s primary strengths include his ability to protect the rim, rebound, and run the floor—traits that are highly coveted in today’s NBA, especially for teams looking for depth in the frontcourt.
During his time with the Lakers’ G League affiliate, Koloko showcased his potential, averaging solid numbers and providing a reliable presence in the paint. While he wasn’t able to secure a regular spot in the rotation during the regular season, his development was certainly on track.
However, the Lakers ultimately decided not to convert his contract to a full NBA deal, which means that Koloko will be unavailable should the Lakers make a deep playoff run. This decision is perplexing to some, given the Lakers’ ongoing search for reliable big man depth behind Anthony Davis. Koloko’s shot-blocking ability and length could have been valuable assets in a playoff setting where defense and rebounding often determine the outcome of games.
Trey Jemison III: A Defensive Specialist with Potential
Trey Jemison III, like Koloko, was also signed to a two-way deal with the Lakers. Standing at 6’9″, Jemison is known for his defensive prowess, particularly his ability to defend in the post and his tenacious rebounding. Jemison played his college ball at UAB, where he became one of the more dominant defenders in Conference USA.
Though Jemison may not possess the same level of offensive polish as some of his contemporaries, his work ethic and defensive acumen have always been his calling card. Much like Koloko, Jemison has seen his minutes limited during the regular season, and his G League performances have been the main outlet for his development.
Jemison’s defensive abilities could have added another layer of depth to the Lakers’ frontcourt, especially in a playoff setting where physicality often increases. His length and willingness to bang in the paint may have made him a valuable asset in matchups against physical teams. However, with his two-way contract left unconverted, Jemison will also be sidelined during the Lakers’ playoff push.
Why Didn’t the Lakers Convert Koloko and Jemison’s Contracts?
Given the Lakers’ need for depth and defensive options, the question arises: why weren’t Koloko and Jemison converted to full NBA contracts? There are several potential reasons behind this decision, which can be linked to both the players’ development and the Lakers’ larger roster plans.
- Playoff Roster Spot Limitations: The NBA only allows teams to have a maximum of 15 players on their roster, with only 13 of them eligible to play during the regular season and playoffs. By keeping Koloko and Jemison on two-way contracts, the Lakers maintained flexibility to focus on veteran players who may offer more immediate contributions in the postseason. This is particularly relevant when you consider the Lakers’ established core of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and their supporting cast.
- Lack of Immediate Impact: Despite Koloko and Jemison’s promise, both players are still raw in terms of NBA readiness. While their G League performances have been solid, they haven’t yet demonstrated the kind of consistent impact that would warrant a full-time NBA role, especially in the high-pressure environment of the playoffs. The Lakers may have decided that their immediate playoff needs would be better served by experienced veterans rather than players still learning the ropes.
- Roster Flexibility and Trade Options: Keeping Koloko and Jemison on two-way contracts allows the Lakers to retain more flexibility with their roster. If the team were to make a trade to bolster their playoff roster, they wouldn’t be constrained by converting two-way contracts into standard deals. It’s possible that the Lakers are keeping these two players on the fringes of the roster as a safeguard against injuries or potential trades later in the season.
- Health and Depth at Other Positions: With Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and the Lakers’ established supporting cast, the team may have felt that their biggest weaknesses were elsewhere. While Koloko and Jemison offer defensive upside, the Lakers may have prioritized strengthening other areas of their roster—such as the wing position or additional perimeter shooting—rather than focusing on bolstering the frontcourt with two unproven big men.
The Implications for the Lakers’ Playoff Push
While Koloko and Jemison won’t be able to contribute in the playoffs, the Lakers still have a deep and talented roster, and the absence of two-way players is unlikely to derail their title aspirations. The team’s success in the postseason will largely depend on the performances of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and their key role players.
However, the decision not to convert these two contracts raises some important questions for the Lakers’ future. With both players now relegated to G League play, it’s unclear what their future with the Lakers will look like. The team’s window for a championship is finite, and the front office will need to make strategic decisions in the coming seasons regarding their roster composition.
Additionally, while the Lakers have been able to weather injuries and roster adjustments in recent years, the presence of a big man like Koloko could have provided an additional layer of depth. In a grueling playoff series, where every game feels like a battle, having fresh legs with size and defensive capability could have been a significant advantage.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Koloko and Jemison with the Lakers
Although Koloko and Jemison won’t be contributing in the postseason this year, both players still have the potential to develop into valuable assets for the Lakers moving forward. Should they remain with the Lakers in the G League, they’ll continue to work on their skills and prepare for another shot at a full-time NBA role.
For Koloko, the key to breaking through could be refining his offensive game. If he can develop a reliable scoring threat around the rim or improve his free throw shooting, he could become a much-needed presence in the Lakers’ frontcourt rotation. Similarly, Jemison’s defensive abilities could make him an appealing option down the line if the Lakers need more depth in the paint.
Whether or not Koloko and Jemison will get another shot at the NBA remains to be seen, but for now, their playoff ineligibility is a reminder that even with potential, the NBA is a business that demands immediate results.
Final Thoughts: The Big Picture for the Lakers
In the ever-changing landscape of the NBA, where every move counts, the decision not to convert Christian Koloko and Trey Jemison III’s two-way contracts is a significant one. While it may not be a headline-grabbing moment, it’s a reminder that playoff rosters are a delicate balance between talent, need, and timing. The Lakers, with their eyes firmly fixed on the playoffs, have opted to prioritize veteran contributions over the potential of younger, developing players. As the postseason looms, the success of this decision will be judged by the performance of the players they chose to keep on the roster and whether their depth and experience are enough to bring another championship to Los Angeles.
