Rob Pelinka and the Lakers could be making their move. Given their recent roster depletion due to injuries, the Purple and Gold are targeting Christian Koloko. At one point, the Raptors saw him as the “future” of the team. However, due to medical complexities, he was waived and couldn’t even practice. He suffered from a career-threatening injury that led Chris Bosh to eventually call his retirement.

After having participated in 58 games for the Toronto franchise, Koloko was diagnosed with a blood clot that forced him to enter the NBA’s Fitness-To-Play Panel. Players referred to the program aren’t allowed to sign with any teams or participate in any sort of basketball practice.

The reason is that blood clots can be incredibly dangerous. In the case of Bosh, he suffered two blood clots in his career. The first one was in his lungs which could only be removed through surgery. Sadly, in the consequent months, the identical ailment occurred in his left calf at which point the doctors deemed the injury to be career-ending. As a result, the Raptors icon’s career was cut short, announcing his abrupt retirement in 2016.

In Koloko’s case, he is yet to have been cleared by the doctors. Yet in the meantime, he is allowed to sign with teams and seems to be nearing his return to the league. Players such as Brandon Ingram too have successfully resumed their careers after a blood clot. However, at the same time, it is vital for Koloko to remain conscious of his injury as it can have severe implications.

Christian Koloko could be of massive health to the Lakers

Before the news of his medical issues broke out, several teams had an interest in signing Christian Koloko. Standing at nearly 7 feet, he is a vigilant shot blocker who earned conference DPOY honors during his days with Arizona. For the Lakers, with Christian Wood recently undergoing surgery, the lack of a center was an issue that needed to be addressed.

Koloko isn’t a versatile offensive threat. But the plus side is he doesn’t command the ball but is rather a lob threat. Such a component benefits LeBron James who is often applying pressure at the rim. Additionally, with a 7’5″ wing span that ranked second in the 2023 class, his presence as a rim protector is undeniable.

Still young and hungry to prove himself, Christian Koloko can unlock his offensive potential as part of the Purple and Gold. During his collegiate season, the 24-year-old did show flashes of having a decent post-game and a touch around the rim. But his primary duties will resemble that of what Clint Capela would provide for the Rockets.

His integration to the roster would allow Anthony Davis to play at his natural position as a forward and help spacing the floor out. Koloko’s impeccable blocking instincts also ensure a compact defense near the rim, something the Lakers lacked in the absence of Anthony Davis when off the floor.

Hopefully, the youthful shot blocker can remain clear of any major health scares if he does join the Lakers. He can become an integral part of the core if used right. And with JJ Redick’s tactical mind at the helm, he might be able to develop an offensive arsenal suitable for his skillset.