OFFICIAL: Los Angeles Lakers Re-Sign 7-Foot Center Christian Koloko to Two-Way Contract, Prioritizing Size, Defense, and Development Depth

In a strategic move to bolster their frontcourt depth and continue developing young talent, the Los Angeles Lakers have officially re-signed center Christian Koloko to a two-way contract for the upcoming NBA season. The announcement, made by the team on Wednesday, reaffirms the organization’s commitment to nurturing athletic big men who can protect the rim and run the floor in today’s fast-paced game.

Koloko, a 7-foot center with a 7-foot-5 wingspan, was originally selected by the Toronto Raptors with the 33rd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. After being waived by Toronto due to health concerns, he joined the Lakers’ system and spent time recovering, developing, and participating in training activities. The Lakers’ front office and coaching staff were reportedly impressed by his athleticism, shot-blocking instincts, and upside as a long-term piece.

Now healthy and ready to contribute, Koloko will be a key part of the Lakers’ two-way development plan, splitting time between the main roster and the South Bay Lakers of the NBA G League.

A Calculated Re-Signing: Lakers Banking on Potential

The re-signing of Christian Koloko isn’t just about filling out the roster — it’s a calculated decision that reflects the Lakers’ broader strategy of finding untapped value and building a sustainable talent pipeline through two-way contracts.

By signing Koloko to a two-way deal, the Lakers are betting on his potential without using up a full-time roster spot. Under the terms of a two-way contract, he can appear in up to 50 regular season NBA games and will have significant opportunities to develop within the team’s system while playing high-minute games in the G League.

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has consistently emphasized the importance of building around star power while simultaneously fostering young, versatile talent. Koloko fits that mold perfectly.

“We’ve seen what Christian can do when he’s healthy and active,” said one Lakers executive. “He’s mobile, he defends the paint, he’s eager to grow, and he’s got the type of frame that can make a real difference in this league.”

Koloko’s Journey: From Arizona to the NBA

Koloko, a native of Douala, Cameroon, made his name in college as a standout player for the Arizona Wildcats. In his final collegiate season (2021–22), he averaged 12.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game while shooting 63.5% from the field. He was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and earned First-Team All-Pac-12 honors.

His dominant rim protection and vertical athleticism made him a coveted prospect entering the 2022 NBA Draft. Toronto scooped him up early in the second round, viewing him as a developmental big with significant upside. Koloko showed flashes during his rookie year, appearing in 58 games for the Raptors and averaging 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.0 block in just 13.8 minutes per game.

However, a lingering respiratory issue sidelined him for the entire 2023–24 season, ultimately leading to his release. The Lakers saw an opportunity and moved swiftly to bring him into the fold.

A Rim Protector With Modern Tools

Koloko’s appeal lies in his ability to anchor a defense. With elite length, lateral quickness for his size, and solid timing, he’s a natural shot-blocker who alters opponents’ game plans in the paint. He’s also shown mobility in pick-and-roll coverages, something the Lakers lacked at times last season.

In today’s NBA, where spacing, switches, and rim-running bigs are prized, Koloko fits the archetype of a modern defensive center. While his offensive game is still developing, he runs the floor well, finishes lobs, and shows promise in short roll situations.

“He’s a guy you don’t need to run plays for,” said one G League scout. “He gets buckets off effort, off putbacks, off dunks. Defensively, he’s ahead of the curve.”

Impact on the Lakers’ Depth Chart

With Jaxson Hayes and Anthony Davis already in the rotation, Koloko will likely compete with Colin Castleton and newly acquired centers for reserve minutes during training camp and the preseason. His two-way status gives the Lakers flexibility — they can monitor his development while keeping options open in case of injuries or roster changes.

If Koloko performs well in the G League and shows consistent growth, he could earn a standard NBA contract later in the season — much like Austin Reaves and Alex Caruso did in previous years.

This also gives new Lakers head coach JJ Redick another athletic option to deploy in spurts or specialized matchups. Redick, who’s spoken highly about building a defense-first identity, may find Koloko’s shot-blocking presence useful in a rotation role.

What Koloko Brings Off the Court

Beyond the court, Koloko is known as a hard worker and a high-character individual. Teammates have praised his professionalism, coachability, and humility. For a Lakers team that values locker room chemistry and culture — particularly around their star veterans — Koloko is seen as someone who will work to earn his role without disrupting team dynamics.

“He’s the type of guy every locker room needs,” said a former Raptors assistant coach. “He listens, he learns, and he shows up every day ready to work.”

The Bigger Picture: Lakers’ Development Philosophy

The Lakers have increasingly leaned into the two-way contract system to uncover and nurture young talent. Austin Reaves, who began his career on a two-way deal, is now a core piece of the franchise. Likewise, Max Christie, Colin Castleton, and others have followed similar developmental paths.

By re-signing Koloko, the Lakers are continuing that trend, banking on upside and athletic tools over short-term flash. It’s a low-risk, high-reward move — the kind that smart organizations make consistently.

“It’s not just about the stars,” Pelinka said during a recent summer league interview. “You need guys on your roster who are hungry, who have something to prove, and who fit into the system you’re building.”

What’s Next for Koloko?

The next step for Christian Koloko is simple: prove himself. Training camp will be his opportunity to showcase his improvements in conditioning, footwork, and feel for the game. If he earns Redick’s trust and shows flashes in preseason games, he could carve out a meaningful role sooner than expected.

The South Bay Lakers will also play a significant role in his development. With consistent minutes, coaching attention, and access to the Lakers’ performance staff, Koloko is in the ideal environment to take the next leap.

The re-signing of Christian Koloko might not grab headlines like blockbuster trades or superstar signings, but for a team with championship aspirations and limited cap flexibility, these moves matter. The Lakers are doubling down on size, youth, and defensive upside — and Koloko offers all of that in a 7-foot package.

If he stays healthy and continues developing, Christian Koloko could eventually emerge as a valuable rotational big man — and perhaps, another developmental success story for the purple and gold. For now, he’ll split time between the NBA and G League, hungry to prove that he belongs on the game’s biggest stage.

And with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and JJ Redick setting the tone, Koloko’s journey with the Lakers is just beginning — and the future is promising.