“She convinced me to accept that he can go to school and play basketball (at a high level) at the same time”. If it hadn’t been for his elder sister’s encouragement, Christian Koloko may never have continued pursuing basketball. Fortunately, he did. The stats he recorded during high school and college led him to be selected as the 33rd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Unfortunately, his career did not progress as well as some might have hoped. This led to his release by the Toronto Raptors. While the Los Angeles Lakers recently dropped in as a savior, a new complication now threatens his tenure on the court.

Back in January, it was revealed that Christian Koloko had developed a blood-clot issue. Defined as ‘career-threatening’, it prevented the player from practicing or even playing. This was until he got permission from the NBA’s Fitness-to-Play Panel. The issue continues to persist and cast doubts on his availability. However, the 24-year-old had a positive update about his condition. “I feel amazing,” the Cameroonian athlete told TMZ Sports.

“My doctors gave me the green light but now we’re just waiting on the NBA,” Koloko said. “We’re pretty optimistic. Hopefully, everything goes well.”

Blood clot issues are serious, especially when one is a professional athlete. If there is anyone who can educate the Lakers player better on things to take care of, it is none other than Miami Heat legend Chris Bosh.

By 2014, Bosh was on top of the world, having won two NBA championships, 11 All-Star honors, and had been a part of the ‘Big 3’ group. This included Bosh, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James. He had signed a five-year deal that would have paid him $118.7 million.  However, things took a turn when he was diagnosed with a blood clot in his lungs in February 2015. A surgery sidelined him for the rest of the season. The next tournament, Bosh rared to go. Unfortunately, during the All-Star break, another blood clot developed in the player’s leg. Once again, he was ruled out for the rest of the season. The continuing ailment finally forced the Heat management to make a tough call and waive the player, marking the blood clot a ‘career-ending illness.’

Seven years later, history is repeating itself with Christian Koloko. Whether he knows about the Heat legend or not, the 24-year-old does not want to cut short his new NBA career. Rather, he revealed that he already had some Facetime with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and other team members, who are also remaining “cool” about his availability.

“I’m just gonna come in ready,” Koloko continued. “Be ready to do whatever it takes to have the team win and that’s the goal – win!”

“Have reason for optimism” – NBA Insider reveals that LA Lakers will allow Christian Koloko to play in the upcoming season

Taking in Christian Koloko under a two-way contract came at the cost of waiving forward Blake Hinson and opening up a third two-way slot. Therefore, the Lakers would not want to let go of their acquisition anytime soon. At the same time, knowing that the health of the player is a priority, they would have certainly done their due diligence. What they found out may have only proved that the player may remain fine for the foreseeable future.

According to ESPN writer Dave McMenamin, “The Lakers have conducted an independent assessment of the 24-year-old Koloko’s condition and have reason for optimism that he will be able to play this season.” McMenamin revealed that the same information comes from reliable sources.

The Lakers have already dealt with their fair share of injuries during the recent season. Anthony Davis has carried the reputation for being an ‘injury-prone’ star for many years now. An ankle injury resulted in his sidelining. Jarred Vanderbilt had also developed a foot injury, as a result of which he remains under observation. The last thing that the franchise wants is to put another injury-concerned player on the field, which they have now proved isn’t the case with the 24-year-old. Furthermore, with Koloko having a 7’5″ wingspan, just slightly lower than Davis’ 7’6″, the organization’s new emphasis on player development, as highlighted by JJ Redick, could see him have a bright future.

It is, however, too soon to make any assumptions. In due time, we’ll see if the Cameroonian follows the same path as Chris Bosh.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.