NBA Rumors: Lakers Eye on Christian Koloko, More; LAL ‘Front Runner’ for Contract | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats & Rumors

Former Toronto Raptors center Christian Koloko is expected to return to the NBA, with the Los Angeles Lakers considered “frontrunners” to sign him, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Charania added that Koloko has chosen between “several teams” and is now “finalizing an agreement” to return to the association.

The 22-year-old was released by Toronto on January 17 to complete the trade of All-Star forward Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers. The following day, Charania reported that Koloko was battling a career-threatening blood clot problem.

He did not play for the Raptors before the trade took place, as he was out indefinitely in October 2023 due to “respiratory concerns.”

Koloko is not allowed to play or train for a team until he is cleared by the NBA’s fitness panel. Although he is still awaiting clearance, he is eligible to sign with an organization prior to the 2024-25 season.

The Raptors selected Koloko with the 33rd overall pick in the 2022 draft. He appeared in 58 games as a rookie, averaging 3.1 points and 2.9 rebounds to go along with 1.0 blocks in 13.8 minutes per game. Koloko impressed on both ends of the court and finished with the best net rating of any Raptors player who appeared in at least 30 games (via NBA.com).

If he ultimately ends up with the Lakers, he could provide additional depth to a frontcourt that already features strong defenders like Anthony Davis and Jarred Vanderbilt.