Former Lakers Big Man Gets Unexpected News Amid Roster Concerns
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Former Lakers Big Man Gets Unexpected News Amid Roster Concerns
DENVER, CO - MARCH 14: Aaron Gordon #32 of the Denver Nuggets is fouled by Christian Koloko #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter at Ball Arena on March 14, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) Getty
Alder Almo·HEAVY
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4 min read
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 28: Christian Koloko #35 of the New Orleans Pelicans poses for a photo at the Smoothie King Center on September 28, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the GettyImages License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) Getty
The Los Angeles Lakers have an interesting name to consider on the free agent market, although bringing him back would be complicated.
Former Lakers center Christian Koloko was waived by the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, according toHoopsHype's Michael Scotto, ending his brief stint with the team after just one preseason appearance.
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The timing is intriguing for Los Angeles, which has played its first three preseason games without projected starting center Walker Kessler because of a jammed finger.
With Kevon Looney the only other traditional center on the roster, Koloko's release comes as the Lakers are getting an early look at their limited frontcourt depth.
There is no indication Los Angeles is pursuing a reunion, but the 26-year-old's availability presents an interesting roster question.
Christian Koloko Waived After Just Four Minutes With Pelicans
GettyChristian Kolokoof the New Orleans Pelicans poses for a photo at the Smoothie King Center on September 28, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Pelicans waived the former Lakers center after just one appearance in the preseason.
Koloko barely had an opportunity to make an impression in New Orleans.
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The 7-footer played four minutes in Thursday's 128-118 preseason loss to theMiami Heat, finishing with two rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
The Pelicans waived him the following day.
Koloko was on a non-guaranteed Exhibit 9 contract, meaning New Orleans will not carry his salary on its books following his release.
Selected 33rd overall by theToronto Raptorsin the 2022 NBA draft, Koloko showed promise as a rookie before a blood clot issue forced him to miss the entire 2023-24 season.
He returned to the league with the Lakers on a two-way contract in 2024-25.
Koloko subsequently bounced between Los Angeles, Memphis and Atlanta during the 2025-26 season, appearing in 27 games and averaging 2.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 13.2 minutes.
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Aspreviously reported by Heavy, Koloko's move to New Orleans offered him another chance to establish himself in theNBA. However, he faced an uphill battle to make the regular-season roster, withYves Missi, Derik Queen andKarlo Matkovicahead of him in the Pelicans' frontcourt rotation.
That opportunity lasted only one preseason game.
Lakers' Center Depth Concerns Extend to Two-Way Roster
Koloko's release coincides with an early test of the Lakers' frontcourt.
Kessler has yet to make his preseason debut after jamming his finger during training camp.
Looney has started in his absence, whileSandro Mamukelashvilihas received opportunities as a small-ball center.
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Mamukelashvili has impressed offensively, scoring 19 points in Thursday's 114-110 victory over Sacramento. His shooting and versatility give coachJJ Redickanother dimension, although defending bigger centers presents a different challenge.
The Lakers' lack of traditional center depth also extends to their two-way roster.
Los Angeles currently has guardChris Mañonand forwards AK Okereke andArthur Kalumaon two-way contracts, leaving the team without a developmental center.
However, Koloko cannot simply fill one of those spots.
Any potential reunion would require a standard NBA deal.
That presents another obstacle for the Lakers, who already have 16 players on standard contracts and must reduce that number to 15 before opening night.
Signing Koloko would require additional roster maneuvering, potentially complicating decisions about the final roster spots.
For now, the Lakers are focused on getting Kessler healthy and evaluating their existing options.
But Koloko's sudden availability highlights an issue Los Angeles may need to address before the regular season: what happens if its starting center is unavailable for an extended stretch?
