NBA: Christian Koloko cleared to return to action for Lakers

Christian Koloko, formerly with the Toronto Raptors, warms up before an NBA game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 16, 2023. –Elsa/Getty Images/AFP

Los Angeles Lakers center Christian Koloko has received medical clearance to return after being sidelined more than a year with a blood clot issue, ESPN reported Tuesday.

He received the OK from the NBA’s fitness-to-play panel and will begin practicing with the Lakers this week, per the report.

Koloko, 24, missed the entire 2023-24 season with the Toronto Raptors, who waived him in January. He signed with the Lakers on Sept. 16.

READ: Christian Koloko’s status ‘in hands of NBA,’ says Raptors president

The 7-foot-1 Cameroon native played in 58 games (19 starts) with the Raptors as a rookie in 2022-23, averaging 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and 13.8 minutes. Toronto drafted him in the second round (33rd overall) in 2022 out of Arizona.

Koloko can provide some frontcourt depth behind All-Star starter Anthony Davis. The Lakers’ backup center is former NBA lottery pick Jaxson Hayes, now in his second season with Los Angeles after four seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans. –Field Level Media