Christian Koloko appreciates the support and is happy about the clearance to return

The Los Angeles Lakers recently received good news when it was announced that two-way center Christian Koloko was medically cleared by the NBA’s Fitness to Play Panel. Koloko, a second-round pick of the Toronto Raptors in 2022, has not played since his rookie season due to the discovery of a blood clot that threatened to end his career.

Koloko was released by the Raptors back in January, but the Lakers signed him to a two-way contract before the start of this season, believing he could help the team up front once released. And now that the process for his return to the court has begun, Koloko is nothing but grateful.

After the Lakers’ shootout before their game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Koloko spoke about the release, saying it was a long process but they got the result they wanted and he was just grateful for the support he received from Dave McMenamin ESPN received:

“It took quite a long time but we got the result we wanted and I’m back here now so that’s the most important thing. And I just appreciate the support of everyone that was involved, the NBA, the NBPA, the Lakers and my doctors. It’s been a long process, but I’m just happy to be back.”

Blood clots are an extremely frightening situation. Many will remember that Hall of Famer Chris Bosh ended his career due to ongoing blood clot problems and these can be not only career-threatening but also life-threatening if not treated properly.

Luckily for Koloko, those issues appear to be hopefully behind him forever and he can focus on helping this Lakers team. Koloko, a seven-footer with outstanding athleticism for his size, was named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in his final season at the University of Arizona when he averaged 12.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.8 blocks . As a rookie, he played 58 games for the Raptors, averaging 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 blocks.

Christian Koloko is expected to be available for Lakers vs. Grizzlies

Christian Koloko was originally expected to begin his return to the G League with the South Bay Lakers, but other circumstances appear to have forced a change in those plans.

Koloko traveled with the Lakers to Memphis for their game against the Grizzlies and is expected to be active for the game, meaning he could be thrown straight into the fire upon his release. There are some injury concerns for the Lakers as Anthony Davis is dealing with a foot issue and is questionable, while Rui Hachimura is not eligible to play due to illness.

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