After being sidelined for over a year due to a blood clot diagnosed in April 2023, center Christian Koloko is set to return. NBA Insider Shams Charania posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Lakers 7-footer Christian Koloko has been medically cleared by the NBA’s fitness-to-play panel, sources tell ESPN.”

This is welcome news for head coach JJ Redick, who has faced challenges finding consistent production off the bench, aside from sporadic contributions from Dalton Knetch. Koloko’s presence will provide much-needed depth and offer a defensive boost alongside Davis.

Coach Redick has been conservative with rotation minutes early in the season; apart from the starting five (LeBron, AD, Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell, and Austin Reaves), only Gabe Vincent has averages more than 17 minutes per game (17.5).

Koloko’s last season

Koloko was selected as the 33rd pick by the Toronto Raptors, appearing in 58 games and averaging 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks during the 2022-23 season. In April 2023, he was sidelined after being diagnosed with respiratory issues, later identified as a serious blood clot that put his career at risk.

When will Koloko play for the Lakers?

Though cleared for play, Koloko’s return to the court will likely require some time. His agent, Calvin Andrews, confirmed to ESPN that the center will begin full basketball activities this week.

While no official return date has been set, Koloko is expected to join the South Bay Lakers’ G League training camp for a conditioning period before potentially joining the main roster.

The Toronto Raptors have a future top center, according to what they themselves affirm, with Christian Koloko. However, it is still too early to say that he could become a Nikola Jokic in about 2-3 years.

Koloko and other centers like Jericho Sims are rookies and will enter the 2023-2024 season as the lowest-salaried centers. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t earn a big contract at the end of the season.

Finding a center like Nikola Jokic is no easy task, but the franchises are willing to do anything to keep the best players available at that position as long as they show a willingness to sacrifice.

Who are the top lowest-salaried centers for the next season?

Goga Bitadze is the center that will enter the 2023-2024 season with the lowest salary, he plays for the Orlando Magic and his salary will be $1,339,383. On the other hand, Xavier Tillman is second on the list with $1,632,821.

1. Goga Bitadze – $1.33m
2. Xavier Tillman – $1.63m
3. Christian Koloko – $1.74m
4. Jericho Sims – $1.88m
5. Orlando Robinson – $1.96m

Most of the players on the list are entering their second year, and some began their careers with a two-way contract, playing for the franchise’s G League affiliate team and some regular season games.

salaries source: Spotrac*