The Los Angeles Lakers have been actively searching for a reliable center to complement Anthony Davis, who has repeatedly expressed a desire to play alongside a traditional big man rather than manning the center position full-time. With Christian Wood sidelined due to knee surgery, the Lakers’ need for frontcourt depth has become even more pressing as they prepare for the 2024-25 NBA season.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Lakers have emerged as the frontrunners to sign former Toronto Raptors center Christian Koloko. Charania reports that Koloko, who has been fielding interest from multiple teams, is finalizing his decision, with the Lakers as the likely destination.
The 22-year-old has been recovering from a serious blood clot issue that sidelined him last season, but he is now in the process of making his return to the NBA.
Why Koloko Makes Sense for the Lakers
The Lakers have a well-known dilemma: Anthony Davis is their best option at center, but he has repeatedly expressed a desire not to play the five full-time. Last season, Davis played 97% of his minutes at center, a role that takes a toll on his body and limits his effectiveness as the season progresses
With Wood already sidelined due to knee surgery, the Lakers are left thin at the center position, adding urgency to bolster their frontcourt depth.
Koloko could be the perfect fit. At 7’1″, his size and defensive abilities would allow him to absorb much of the physicality in the paint, something Davis has long requested. As a rookie with the Raptors, Koloko averaged 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in just under 14 minutes per game.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Christian Koloko, Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
While those numbers might not jump off the page, his defensive presence was significant—he finished with the best net rating among Raptors players who appeared in at least 30 games. Koloko’s ability to protect the rim, combined with his mobility, would complement Davis’ skill set while giving the Lakers a more traditional big man in their lineup.
Koloko’s potential signing would also add depth behind Jaxson Hayes, who has yet to prove himself as a reliable partner for Davis. Last season, lineups featuring both Davis and Hayes posted a disappointing -9.4 net rating, raising questions about whether Hayes can be the long-term answer at center.
By signing Koloko, the Lakers can experiment with different frontcourt combinations, easing the burden on Davis and giving head coach Darvin Ham more flexibility.
Filling the Void and Planning for the Future
The Lakers’ pursuit of Koloko also signals their recognition that more substantial moves may be needed later in the season. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that the Lakers have their eyes on other traditional centers, such as Jonas Valanciunas of the Washington Wizards, who could become available after December 15.
Valanciunas would bring a wealth of experience and offensive versatility, particularly with his ability to score in the post and space the floor with his 34.8% career three-point shooting.
However, the Lakers will likely face stiff competition for Valanciunas and other veteran centers.
In the meantime, Koloko offers a low-risk, high-reward option for the Lakers. If he returns to full health, the Lakers could secure a valuable defensive anchor who fits their immediate needs without sacrificing future assets.
The team’s front office, led by Rob Pelinka, will be closely monitoring Koloko’s medical clearance while weighing other trade options, but Koloko’s youth and potential make him an intriguing addition to the roster.
If Koloko does sign with the Lakers, he’ll join a frontcourt already featuring elite defenders like Davis and Jarred Vanderbilt, potentially making the Lakers one of the best defensive teams in the league.
More importantly, Koloko’s presence would allow Davis to play more minutes at power forward, a position where he thrives, and help Los Angeles manage the workload of its superstar big man.
As the Lakers look to build on last season’s success, adding Koloko could be a smart move that addresses a glaring need while preserving their ability to make bigger trades down the line.
With free agency signings and in-season trades still in play, the Lakers seem poised to reshape their frontcourt and give Davis the support he needs to stay healthy and effective throughout the season.