The Los Angeles Lakers have made headlines once again by officially signing Christian Koloko after waiving a player to create the necessary roster spot. This move adds a 7’1 athletic center to the team’s depth chart, but was it the right call for Lakers Nation? Let’s break down the roster implications, Koloko’s role, and whether this was the right or wrong move for the Lakers.
Who Was Waived?
In order to finalize the signing of Christian Koloko, the Lakers made the tough decision to part ways with a current player. This waiver has raised eyebrows, as the Lakers had limited roster spots and had to make a choice about who to release. While the waived player was likely not a core piece of the rotation, the decision will still have ripple effects on team chemistry and depth.
Why Christian Koloko?
Koloko, a 7’1 center known for his shot-blocking and athleticism, fills a key need for the Lakers. After injuries and inconsistent performances from other big men, the Lakers were in dire need of more rim protection, interior defense, and rebounding.
Koloko’s Strengths
- Rim Protection: Koloko’s height and wingspan make him a natural shot-blocker, a s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 that will be invaluable in protecting the paint.
- Rebounding: He brings additional rebounding ability, which will help the Lakers on both ends of the floor.
- Athleticism: Koloko can run the floor in transition, giving the Lakers another weapon in their fast-paced offense.
- Fit with Anthony Davis: Koloko allows Davis to shift back to his preferred power forward position, where he can focus more on offense and guarding perimeter players.
Koloko’s presence on the floor could allow the Lakers to experiment with a “Twin Towers” lineup, pairing him with Davis in certain matchups to dominate the paint. His role could also be essential for the Lakers’ second unit, providing much-needed defense when Davis and LeBron are resting.
Was This the Right Move?
Right Move
- Improved Defense: Koloko adds a defensive anchor in the middle, which was a major area of concern last season, especially when Davis wasn’t on the floor. His shot-blocking and rebounding will shore up the Lakers’ interior defense.
- Depth at Center: With Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes dealing with injuries and inconsistency, Koloko provides a reliable backup at the center position. His athleticism will complement the Lakers’ style of play, especially in transition and on pick-and-rolls.
- Flexibility for Lineups: Koloko’s signing gives the Lakers flexibility to use different lineups, from traditional big man sets to fast-paced, small-ball configurations. This will allow new head coach JJ Redick to mix and match lineups depending on matchups.
Wrong Move
- Offensive Limitations: While Koloko excels on defense, his offensive game is still developing. He’s not a major scoring threat, and this could limit his minutes in certain lineups where the Lakers need more floor spacing and shooting.
- Waiving the Wrong Player?: Depending on who was waived to make room for Koloko, the move could disrupt team chemistry or leave the Lakers thin in other positions, such as on the wings or in the backcourt. It’s important to balance the roster, and losing a valuable rotation player could hurt in the long run.
- Christian Wood’s Role: If Christian Wood returns to form, Koloko may struggle to find meaningful minutes in the rotation
