OFFICIAL: The Los Angeles Lakers have signed 7-footer center Christian Koloko and forward Chris Manon on two-way NBA contracts, sources tell ESPN.

In a surprising and strategic move, the Los Angeles Lakers have signed 7-footer center Christian Koloko and forward Chris Manon to two-way NBA contracts, as reported by ESPN. This marks the latest step in the Lakers’ efforts to solidify their roster and deepen their talent pool for the upcoming 2025 season. Koloko, a towering figure with an impressive defensive skill set, and Manon, an athletic forward with potential, are now officially part of the Lakers’ extended roster.

The signing of these two players gives the Lakers additional depth and flexibility, particularly at positions where the team is looking to increase its talent and improve its two-way versatility. Let’s dive deeper into what these two players bring to the table and how they fit into the Lakers’ plans moving forward.

Christian Koloko, a 7-foot center, became known for his impressive shot-blocking and defensive presence during his time at Arizona, where he played for two seasons after transferring from Montverde Academy in Florida. The Cameroonian big man’s raw skills on defense and his overall potential as a rim protector made him a standout in the NCAA, and he was selected in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors.

Koloko’s main value to the Lakers comes from his ability to protect the rim, rebound at a high level, and provide a strong defensive presence in the paint. The Lakers, who have relied heavily on Anthony Davis as their primary shot-blocker, could use Koloko as a backup to Davis or even in certain situations where the Lakers need to bolster their defense without overloading their starters.

1. Elite Rim Protection: Koloko’s ability to contest shots and alter opponents’ attempts at the basket is perhaps his most defining trait. He averaged over 2.8 blocks per game during his final season at Arizona, showcasing his excellent timing and instincts as a shot-blocker. This skill is incredibly valuable for the Lakers, a team that has historically thrived on defense, especially with Anthony Davis anchoring the paint. Koloko can be utilized as a defensive specialist, providing a backup to Davis in key matchups.
2. Rebounding: While Koloko’s offensive game is still a work in progress, his ability to crash the boards is solid. He averaged 6.6 rebounds per game in college, and with his size, he can be a presence in the paint and provide some much-needed rebounding depth for the Lakers, who will rely on players like Davis and Jared Vanderbilt to hit the boards hard.
3. Athleticism: Despite his size, Koloko is an athletic big man, capable of moving his feet well in pick-and-roll situations and being a solid presence on fast breaks. His quickness for a player his size will allow him to contribute in certain defensive schemes where mobility is key.
4. Potential as a Backup Big: With the Lakers’ commitment to a defensive-first identity, Koloko is likely to see minutes as a backup center, especially in matchups where defense and rim protection are the priority. If Davis or Jared Vanderbilt are ever unavailable or need rest, Koloko can step in and provide the team with a defensive presence to keep opposing offenses in check.

How Koloko Fits with the Lakers:

Koloko is a two-way player, meaning that he can spend time both with the Lakers in the NBA and with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, where he can continue to develop his game. This is an ideal setup for the Lakers, as they can nurture Koloko’s potential while keeping him available for call-ups during the regular season.

With his defensive strengths, Koloko offers the Lakers a different look in the center rotation. While Anthony Davis is known for his versatility, Koloko’s rim protection and shot-blocking would allow the Lakers to continue to play their defensive-minded system with a true backup center. His development in the G League will also give him the opportunity to expand his offensive game, which remains an area of focus for him.

Koloko could provide the Lakers with a reliable safety net at center, especially in those high-stakes moments where Davis needs to rest, or during matchups where the Lakers need a more traditional big man presence alongside Davis. While not likely to receive significant minutes early in the season, Koloko’s role will depend on his development and ability to adapt to the speed and physicality of the NBA.

Chris Manon, a forward, is another intriguing player who brings athleticism, energy, and potential to the Lakers’ extended roster. While not as well-known as some other players on the Lakers’ radar, Manon has shown promise during his time at University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), where he was able to display his skills as a high-flying, versatile forward with defensive chops.

Strengths of Chris Manon:

1. Athleticism and Length: At 6’8″, Chris Manon is a lengthy forward with explosive leaping ability. His size and agility make him an excellent candidate for the Lakers’ defensive schemes, where they rely on versatile defenders who can switch across multiple positions. He can guard both wing players and bigger forwards, offering additional flexibility for coach Darvin Ham.
2. Defensive Potential: Like Koloko, Manon has the tools to be a defensive specialist. He is quick, with a strong ability to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots. His length and athleticism also allow him to guard multiple positions, which makes him a solid addition to the Lakers’ roster in terms of defensive depth.
3. Energy and Grit: Manon brings an intangible quality to the table—his relentless energy and passion for the game. His high motor and intensity on the floor will allow him to compete for a spot in the Lakers’ rotation, particularly in situations where the team needs a spark or a versatile defender who can switch between positions.
4. Offensive Development: While Manon is not necessarily a prolific scorer, his offensive game has shown flashes of potential. His ability to attack the rim and finish in transition could make him an asset in the Lakers’ up-tempo offense. Over time, he could develop into a more reliable shooter, especially from three-point range, as he refines his skills with the Lakers’ developmental staff.

Manon’s signing is likely aimed at adding more wing depth and athleticism to the Lakers’ roster, something the team will need as they face more high-flying, fast-paced teams in the Western Conference. His two-way contract allows the Lakers to develop him in the G League while keeping him available to the main roster in case of injury or if his performance warrants a call-up.

With the Lakers relying on veterans like LeBron James and Rui Hachimura at the forward spots, Manon could add depth and compete for minutes on the wing. His ability to play defense and guard multiple positions will likely make him an appealing option in small-ball lineups or in spot-duty situations where the Lakers need extra length on defense.

By signing Christian Koloko and Chris Manon to two-way contracts, the Los Angeles Lakers have once again shown their commitment to developing young talent while also maintaining a focus on building a well-rounded roster for the 2025 season. Both players offer different skills and potential to the team, and their signing allows the Lakers to further strengthen their depth in key areas.

For the Lakers, depth and versatility are essential components of their roster-building strategy. As they aim for an NBA championship this season, ensuring that they have quality players available at every position is crucial. Players like Koloko and Manon provide the team with additional options—both for the NBA roster and the G League—which is important as the season progresses and injuries or roster needs inevitably arise.

Both Koloko and Manon are now in a position to prove themselves on the big stage. The Lakers will continue to monitor their development closely, giving them the opportunity to contribute whenever called upon. If Koloko can improve his offensive game and if Manon can refine his shooting and basketball IQ, they could both emerge as important pieces of the Lakers’ future.

While the Lakers’ signings of Christian Koloko and Chris Manon are not necessarily moves that will drastically alter the team’s immediate future, they represent the franchise’s smart and strategic approach to long-term roster management. The ability to add potential without sacrificing cap space or flexibility is one of the reasons the Lakers have remained competitive for so many years. As the team heads into the 2025 season, the development of these two players could have significant implications as the Lakers continue to build towards another championship.