Christian Koloko Signs with the Lakers

 You kind of had to have a feeling that something like this would happen. Koloko had a pretty promising rookie season with the Raptors. He didn't show much offensively outside of dunks and putbacks, but defensively he was long, mobile and a fantastic rim protector. Unfortunately for Koloko last season was lost due to a blood clot issue. The Raptors had every roster spot filled this season, yet the fans still held out hope for a return. That obviously is now over and here is what it means: 

What it Means for the Raptors

The Raptors spent last season in desperate need of a backup big to the always solid and reliable Jakob Poeltl. With Jak healthy, the team had a not-so-great defensive rating of 117.8. Without Jak, it slid to an absolutely disgusting 122.5. The Raptors simply did not have another rim protector on the roster for all of last season, a role Koloko could have filled well. This year looks slightly different. The Raptors signed 25 year old rookie Branden Carlson to a 2 way contract this summer. Not to overreact to summer league, but he looked like a capable rim protector with some ability to stretch the floor. In the second round the Raptors picked undersized 4/5 Jonathan Mogbo who looks like he may get some minutes at the 5 as well. Kelly Olynyk while not a rim protector, gives the Raptors an offense first look at center that they hadn't had in years. While none of these players may have the impact defensively immediately that Koloko had, they all offer something different from Jakob Poeltl, something Koloko did not. The Raptors are entering this season much more healthy with their depth at the 5 position than they did last year and as a result, Koloko would have had a hard time carving out a role. 

What it Means for the Lakers

This is a great pickup that will go under the radar for the Lakers. Prior to the signing, the only centers on the Lakers roster were Anthony Davis and Christian Wood. Wood just had knee surgery that will keep him out for the start of the season, and even while healthy has fallen out of multiple rotations in his career. Anthony Davis turned in a fairly healthy season last year, but that isn't something that is regular for AD who is constantly dealing with minor injuries. Long story short, the Lakers needed big man depth. Koloko gives them a rim protector behind AD that can hopefully hold down the defense when Davis is out, and fill in some solid minutes as a backup when Davis is playing. Offensively Koloko's role should be made easier playing with LeBron as a rim runner. It is yet to be seen where Koloko is at physically, but if he is anything like his rookie season, he will  get a good look in LA. 

What it Means for Koloko

Koloko's career is back on track after the battle he had with scary health issues last season. He's going to have a bigger role in LA because they absolutely need him. Hopefully this will be the stop where Koloko develops into a solid rotation big in this league. While it is sad for me as a Raptors fan to see it happen somewhere else, I am thrilled that he is getting another chance. Wherever he goes from here I will always be loko for Koloko!