The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2025-26 season with a better big man rotation after signing Deandre Ayton and re-signing Jaxson Hayes in free agency.
The Lakers’ lack of interior size was glaring in the playoffs, so landing Ayton and having Hayes behind him solved a huge problem. Meanwhile, Los Angeles was also hoping to see if Christian Koloko would sure any signs of marked development. Koloko was signed a two-way contract, offering some flexibility at the center position if the team ever needed extra depth throughout the regular season.
Koloko had shown flashes with the Lakers as a shot blocker and rim deterrent, but offensively he was fairly limited to putbacks or dunks. Defensively his length was useful, but the lack of size and weight made him an easy target for bigger centers. The Lakers eventually waived Koloko to sign Drew Timme to a two-way contract, ending his time within the organization.
While Koloko may no longer be with Los Angeles, he’ll get another crack at an NBA roster as his rights were acquired by San Antonio Spurs’ G League affiliate the Austin Spurs, via NBA insider Marc Stein:
The G League rights to former Lakers and Raptors center Christian Koloko were acquired Sunday by San Antonio’s G League affiliate, enabling Koloko to play for the Austin Spurs at the highly scouted Showcase.
The annual G League winter showcase is one of the most important events of the year for players like Koloko as it gives them an opportunity to compete in a tournament in front of numerous executives and scouts. Players who participate and perform well increase their chances of landing on an NBA roster either through a 10-day contract or even a two-way deal. There is also the possibility of signing professionally overseas, so it’s a massive event with plenty of eyes on it.
While Koloko hasn’t quite panned out yet, it’s important to remember that he missed significant development time due to a blood clot issue. A healthy player’s chances of sticking in the league are already slim enough, so Koloko’s missed time definitely didn’t help his case.
Lakers could look for fringe trade
Up to this point in the season, the Lakers have exceeded expectations given the injuries and adversity thrown their way. With Luka and Reaves showcasing an extremely high ceiling as a backcourt, the Lakers have themselves in the top half of the West playoff picture.
Outside of those two, LeBron is starting to figure out how he fits in with each game under his belt. Then, Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton provide secondary scoring punches when opposing defenses focus on the Big 3.
However, a noticeable flaw is the lack of defensive-minded personnel. That is a key need when the trade deadline rolls around, as adding one or two 3-and-D players could go a long way to create a bit more balance.
With uncertainty surrounding Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Wisconsin, the Lakers are not necessarily expected to make a splashy move. But, they are going to try and find a middle of ground in terms of meaningful upgrades to the roster.
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