In a surprising move, the Toronto Raptors have cut ties with one of their top veteran superstars amid ongoing contract disputes. This decision comes as the team navigates significant changes in the roster, leaving many fans concerned about the future direction of the franchise.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers have officially signed center Christian Koloko to a two-way contract, as reported in the NBA transactions log. The 24-year-old, standing at 7-foot-1, missed the entire previous season due to complications from a blood clot. However, his agent, Calvin Andrews of Klutch Sports, shared in August that Koloko had experienced a “major breakthrough” following surgery. Since then, he has been cleared to resume basketball activities, according to Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.
Koloko, who had a private workout with several NBA teams at the Las Vegas Summer League in July, has participated in full-contact sessions this offseason. Although awaiting final clearance from the NBA, he was immediately eligible to sign with any team.
During the 2022-23 season, Koloko played in 58 games with the Raptors, starting in 19 of them. He posted averages of 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks before being sidelined due to the blood clot diagnosis.
The Lakers, who are still looking to fill gaps in their roster, especially with center Christian Wood sidelined until at least mid-November, are one of three NBA teams (alongside the Celtics and Cavaliers) not to have signed an outside free agent to a standard deal. Koloko’s addition provides much-needed depth to their frontcourt.
Reports suggest that the Clippers, Spurs, and Raptors also showed interest in signing Koloko before he chose the Lakers.
To make space for Koloko, the Lakers waived rookie Blake Hinson. The 24-year-old forward, who went undrafted this summer, originally signed a two-way deal with the team in July. Hinson, standing at 6-foot-8, played two seasons at Pittsburgh following a stint at Mississippi State. He made a strong impression in NBA Summer League and is expected to garner interest from other teams, potentially landing a spot with the South Bay Lakers in the G League.
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