Lakers see potential as Christian Koloko excels despite rushed transitions

The Los Angeles Lakers have tasked JJ Redick with finding rotation value in relatively unconventional ways. It’s certainly on the mark for the Lakers, who face the consequences of trading away first-round draft picks that could have produced cost-effective talent, but it’s an uphill battle nonetheless.

One of the early success stories in Los Angeles is a player who is back on the court after spending an entire season away from the NBA: Christian Koloko.

Koloko was chosen as the no. 33 overall by the Toronto Raptors at the 2022 NBA Draft. He showed promise as a high-level shot blocker during his rookie season, averaging 1.0 blocks per game. match and 2.6 blocks per 36 minutes.

Koloko was unfortunately forced to walk away from the NBA and miss the entire 2023-24 season due to a blood clotting problem.

It was a devastating turn that many feared could end his career before it could really unfold. Fortunately, Koloko was cleared to return to the NBA for the 2024-25 season — and the Lakers are already reaping the benefits of his presence.

Franchise player Anthony Davis made it clear how impressed he is with Koloko for thriving despite his limited knowledge of how Los Angeles plays and operates.

It’s only been five games, but the former Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year is already showing the potential to be the ideal interior complement.

Koloko has received double-digit minutes from the Lakers in each of the last three games, including four of the last five. The most recent outing was a 104-99 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, where he played 11 minutes.

Koloko made a massive impact off the bench, posting six points, six rebounds, four offensive boards, an assist, a block and a steal in limited time.

Koloko’s ability to create second chances was perhaps his most valuable ability during the win over the Pelicans. It was a great night for the Lakers overall in that regard as they pulled down an absurd 17 offensive boards, but Koloko’s individual impact must be acknowledged.

Two of Koloko’s offensive rebounds were pulled down during the second quarter, and both led to Lakers points — at a time when Los Angeles was struggling to overcome an 11-point deficit.

Koloko then started the fourth quarter with another offensive board, a tip shot that got the Lakers on the board early. For that matter, he scored four of the Lakers’ first six points in the final period and also had a steal.

Those plays epitomized the value he can bring to a Los Angeles team that has been desperate for answers at center.

With Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood sidelined by injuries, Koloko has stepped in to provide the size, rebounding and defensive presence the team has needed from the second unit. He plays with energy and focus, and should only get better the more comfortable he gets.

If Koloko can reach his full potential, then the Lakers could have an important rotation piece for years to come.