CHRISTIAN KOLOKO NEWS

Makes season debut Koloko (illness) scored two points (1-2 FG) and added two rebounds and one block across 13 minutes in Wednesday's 131-114 loss to the Grizzlies.

Impact After appearing in 58 games for the Raptors as a rookie in 2022-23, Koloko missed the entire 2023-24 season while battling a blood clotting issue that temporarily forced him to pause his career. The 24-year-old center signed a two-way deal with the Lakers in September, and after receiving clearance from the NBA's Fitness-to-Play Panel to resume playing in games, he took the court Wednesday for his team and season debuts. Though the Lakers opened up a spot in the rotation for Koloko as the backup center to Jaxson Hayes, Koloko will likely lose out on minutes if Anthony Davis (heel) is cleared to play Friday versus the 76ers.

NOVEMBER 7 • ROTOWIRE

RAPTORS NOTES: Gradey Dick best shooter in draft ... Odd early schedule ... Christian Koloko returns Dick has been one of the NBA's most improved players, wowing on a nightly basis for the Raptors.

NOVEMBER 7 • TORONTOSUN.COM

Will be in rotation Wednesday Koloko (illness) will make his season debut as part of the Lakers' center rotation Wednesday, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Koloko will see live game action for the first time April 9, 2023 -- which was part of a rookie campaign that featured 58 appearances with Toronto. The 24-year-old overcoming blood clot issues to return to the court is an amazing story, and it coincides with a rare opportunity to step up as Anthony Davis (ankle) has been ruled out Wednesday. Koloko flashed shot-blocking prowess as a rookie, and he has an opportunity to carve out a role in Los Angeles' bench rotation moving forward.

NOVEMBER 6 • ROTOWIRE

Not listed on injury report Koloko (illness) isn't listed on the injury report for Wednesday's game against the Grizzlies.

Impact Koloko dealt with a blot clot issue that sidelined him for the entire 2023-24 campaign, but he's been making strong progress over the past few weeks. While he's not listed on the injury report, Koloko likely won't be thrust into the rotation right away and is expected to spend most of his time in the G League given his two-way status.

NOVEMBER 5 • ROTOWIRE

Will eventually ramp up in G League Koloko (illness) will begin his return-to-play process with the Lakers' G League affiliate, although a timeline remains to be specified, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.

Impact Koloko will report the South Bay Lakers to start the G League season, although his timing for returning to on-court action is still to be determined. Koloko's health following blood clot issue continues being overseen by the NBA's Fitness-to-Play Panel, but he gradually progressing in becoming fully cleared.

OCTOBER 30 • ROTOWIRE

Lakers two-way player Christian Koloko cleared to play LOS ANGELES - Center Christian Koloko, whom the Lakers signed to a two-way contract while he was sti...

OCTOBER 30 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Remains out Koloko (illness) won't play in Wednesday's game versus the Cavaliers, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Impact Koloko has been medically returned to clear but will sit out Wednesday as he returns to competition conditioning. When Koloko is ready to suit up, he is expected to compete for depth minutes in Los Angeles' frontcourt.

OCTOBER 29 • ROTOWIRE

Report: Lakers C Christian Koloko cleared to return Los Angeles Lakers center Christian Koloko has received medical clearance to return after being sidelined more than a year with a blood clot...

OCTOBER 29 • THESTATE.COM

Medically cleared to return Koloko has been medically cleared to play by the NBA's fitness-to-play panel, ESPN's Shams Charania reports.

Impact Koloko will begin practicing with the Lakers this week, but it remains to be seen how soon he'll actually take the floor in a live game setting. Still, this is great news for the Lakers, as Koloko will give their frontcourt a huge boost with his rim-protection ability.

OCTOBER 29 • ROTOWIRE

Still out Koloko (illness) won't paly in Monday's game against the Suns, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.

Impact Koloko is listed as out due to returning to competition conditioning, so it seems that he is working towards a return. When he returns to action, it is likely he spends most of his time with the team's G League affiliate.

OCTOBER 27 • ROTOWIRE

Not playing Saturday Koloko (illness) is out for Saturday's game against the Kings, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.

Impact The Lakers have labeled Koloko's status as a "return to competition conditioning," so there's no clear timetable on when he'll be back. The big man is expected to play a role off the bench once he's cleared.

OCTOBER 26 • ROTOWIRE

Won't suit up Friday Koloko won't play Friday against the Suns as the Lakers work him back to playing condition, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.

Impact Koloko missed Opening Night due to a long-term blood clotting issue, though the club is optimistic he will return to game action soon. The 24-year-old is not expected to play a significant role with the club, but he could step up as the Lakers' third-string center if Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) misses additional time.

OCTOBER 24 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play Opening Night Koloko (illness) will not play in Tuesday's regular-season opener against the Timberwolves, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.

Impact Koloko signed a two-way contract with the Lakers in September. There was optimism he would be available for Opening Night, but he has yet to be cleared by the NBA's Fitness-to-Play Panel due to blood clots that he was diagnosed with in January. Even should he be cleared during the 2024-25 regular season, Koloko will likely spend most of the campaign in the G League with the South Bay Lakers.

OCTOBER 22 • ROTOWIRE

Optimism for Opening Night General manager Rob Pelinka said Wednesday that there's optimism and hope Koloko (illness) will be cleared to suit up for Opening Night against the Timberwolves on Oct. 22, Khobi P...

Impact After being diagnosed with blood clots last year, Koloko remains with the NBA's Fitness-to-Play Panel. This is an encouraging update, but Koloko, who signed a two-way contract with the Lakers this offseason, still has multiple hurdles to clear before he's relevant in fantasy hoops.

SEPTEMBER 25 • ROTOWIRE

Lakers News: Lakers Hopeful as New Signing Ready to Tackle Health Challenges and Make an Impact Lakers Sign Christian Koloko, Aiming to Enhance Front-Court Depth for Upcoming Season.

SEPTEMBER 19 • SACBEE.COM

Lakers News: How Christian Koloko's Signing Impacts Lakers' Season Plans The Lakers’ addition of Christian Koloko could bolster their frontcourt depth ahead of the new season.

SEPTEMBER 16 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

Joining Lakers The Lakers signed Koloko to a contract Saturday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.

Impact The specifics of the deal have yet to be disclosed, but Koloko is expected to be given the opportunity to compete for a role in Los Angeles' frontcourt. However, he is still waiting to receive clearance from the NBA's fitness panel as he has been dealing with blood clots. In 2022-23, Koloko averaged 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 13.8 minutes across 58 regular-season appearances for the Raptors.

SEPTEMBER 14 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with blood clot issue Koloko (illness) is dealing with a blood clot issue that is threatening his basketball career, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.

Impact Koloko hasn't yet suited up this season, and he was waived by the Raptors on Wednesday to complete the trade that sent Pascal Siakam to Indiana. Koloko showed some promise during his rookie season and averaged 3.1 points and 2.9 rebounds in 13.8 minutes per game. However, he'll be unable to practice or play in the NBA until he's cleared by the league's Fitness to Play Panel.

JANUARY 19 • ROTOWIRE

Waived to complete Siakam trade Koloko (illness) was waived by the Raptors on Wednesday, Eric Koreen of The Athletic reports.

Impact Koloko hadn't suited up for the Raptors all season as he's battled respiratory issues and didn't appear close to making a return to the hardwood. With Toronto bringing in Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora and Kira Lewis as part of the Pascal Siakam trade, the team needed to open up a roster spot and cut Koloko loose. While it's possible Koloko's respiratory issues keep him sidelined for the rest of the 2023-24 campaign, he should attract some interest across the NBA after appearing in 58 games as a rookie and averaging 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 blocks across 13.8 minutes.

JANUARY 18 • ROTOWIRE

Ups training, still lacks timeline Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic said Monday that Koloko (illness) has been doing more training work of late, but the second-year center remains out indefinitely, Aaron Rose of S...

Impact Koloko continues to deal with respiratory issues that have thus far kept him from playing at any point during the 2023-24 campaign. Though the fact that Koloko hasn't been shut down from activity entirely is at least somewhat encouraging, he doesn't appear particularly close to being ready for game action. A timeline for Koloko's season debut is unlikely to be available until he's regularly taking part in full-contact, full-court practices.

JANUARY 16 • ROTOWIRE

Still out Koloko (illness) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Celtics, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Impact Koloko has yet to suit up this season. Barring a return to practice, he can be considered doubtful for future contests.

JANUARY 14 • ROTOWIRE

Still sidelined Koloko (illness) won't play in Wednesday's game versus the Clippers.

Impact Koloko has yet to suit up this season while dealing with a respiratory issue. Until Toronto provides an update on his return timetable, Koloko should be considered week-to-week.

JANUARY 10 • ROTOWIRE

Out again Koloko (illness) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Lakers, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Impact Koloko has yet to appear in a game for the Raptors this season. His timetable for return is unknown.

JANUARY 8 • ROTOWIRE

Out against Golden State Koloko (illness) is out for Sunday's game against the Warriors.

Impact Koloko has been dealing with a respiratory issue and doesn't have a clear date for his return to the hardwood, though given he has yet to log a single minute at the NBA level, his return might not be particularly close. His next chance to feature will come against the Lakers on Tuesday.

JANUARY 7 • ROTOWIRE

Remains sidelined Koloko (illness) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Kings.

Impact Koloko hasn't yet played this year due to a respiratory issue, and it's not yet clear when he'll be able to return. He remains sidelined indefinitely.

JANUARY 4 • ROTOWIRE