NBA will reportedly decide whether to medically clear Christian Koloko soon

Posted by author October 20, 2024 NBA

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In an effort to shore up their center position and provide Anthony Davis with an adequate backup, the Los Angeles Lakers signed former 2022 second-round draft pick Christian Koloko late this offseason. Koloko is seven feet tall with a solid 7-foot-5 wingspan, and as a rookie, he showed some promise as a shot-blocker who could finish strong at the rim.

There was just one problem: Koloko had a blood clot issue last season that forced him to sit out the entire year. The Lakers signed him even though the NBA had yet to clear him for this season, although he did say his doctors gave him the “green light” to play.

Reportedly, an official decision from the league regarding whether Koloko will be cleared to play is coming soon.

Via ESPN:

“As the Lakers part with [Colin] Castleton, there is optimism within the franchise surrounding Christian Koloko’s status. Sources with knowledge of the situation told ESPN that a decision from the NBA’s ‘fitness-to-play’ panel is expected very soon.”

Castleton, who was an undrafted rookie last season and has been a two-way player for L.A., was waived on Saturday to clear a spot for preseason rookie standout Quincy Olivari. That leaves the team with just one true center other than Davis — Jaxson Hayes — on its roster.