As the Los Angeles Lakers continue to refine their roster, one of the most intriguing additions is Christian Koloko, a young and talented center known for his defensive potential and athleticism. Standing at 7 feet tall, Koloko brings a combination of size, shot-blocking, and mobility that the Lakers have been seeking to strengthen their frontcourt depth, especially as they look to support Anthony Davis in the paint.

Let’s dive into Koloko’s game, what he brings to the Lakers, and how he could fit into the team’s rotation.

Background and Early Career

Christian Koloko was selected 33rd overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors, coming out of Arizona, where he developed a reputation as a dominant defensive presence. In college, he showcased significant improvements each season, particularly in his junior year when he averaged:

• 12.6 points
• 7.3 rebounds
• 2.8 blocks per game

His breakout season earned him Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year honors, and his defensive capabilities made him a sought-after prospect. In Toronto, Koloko gained valuable experience but is still considered a raw talent with room for growth.

Strengths: Defense and Shot-Blocking

Koloko’s biggest strength is his rim protection. He has excellent timing when contesting shots and uses his 7-foot frame and 7’5” wingspan to alter or block shots around the basket. This ability to protect the rim is particularly valuable to the Lakers, who have often relied on Anthony Davis to shoulder much of the defensive load in the paint. Koloko’s presence could help take some of that pressure off Davis, allowing him to roam defensively and conserve energy for offense.

Key defensive strengths:

• Shot-Blocking: Koloko’s 2.8 blocks per game in college demonstrate his knack for swatting away shots. His ability to block shots without fouling too much will be critical in his transition to the NBA.
• Lateral Quickness: For a player of his size, Koloko moves well laterally, making him capable of defending in pick-and-roll situations and switching onto smaller players when necessary.
• Rebounding: While not elite yet, Koloko’s size and athleticism make him a solid rebounder. His ability to secure defensive boards and start fast breaks could fit well with the Lakers’ style of play.

Offensive Game: Room to Grow

Offensively, Koloko is still developing. His game primarily revolves around finishing at the rim—whether off lobs, putbacks, or in transition. While he’s not yet a polished post scorer or shooter, his athleticism allows him to finish efficiently around the basket. His offense will likely focus on running the floor, rolling to the rim in pick-and-roll scenarios, and being active on the offensive glass.

Offensive outlook:

• Pick-and-Roll Threat: Koloko has the athleticism to be a dangerous lob threat in pick-and-roll situations, especially with playmakers like LeBron James and Austin Reaves feeding him the ball.
• Finishing Ability: He’s shown the ability to finish strong at the rim, using his length and size to convert high-percentage looks, often dunking in traffic.
• Developing Mid-Range Shot: While his shooting is still a work in progress, Koloko has shown flashes of a mid-range game. If he can develop a reliable jumper, it will open up more offensive opportunities for him.

How Koloko Fits with the Lakers

Koloko’s fit with the Lakers hinges largely on his ability to contribute defensively. The Lakers need a reliable backup big who can defend the rim and handle minutes when Anthony Davis is either resting or playing the power forward position. Koloko’s size and defensive prowess make him an ideal candidate to anchor the second unit’s defense and provide the Lakers with the size and shot-blocking they need.

1. Backing Up Anthony Davis: Koloko will likely see time backing up AD or playing alongside him in certain lineups. Given Davis’ history with injuries, Koloko’s ability to fill in as a starting center when needed will be valuable for the Lakers.
2. Energy and Hustle: Koloko’s athleticism and motor will make him a fan favorite in Los Angeles. His ability to run the floor, contest shots, and crash the glass will provide the Lakers with much-needed energy off the bench.
3. Developmental Potential: At just 23 years old, Koloko still has plenty of room to grow. The Lakers’ coaching staff, known for developing young players, could help Koloko improve his offensive game, particularly in expanding his shooting range and improving his footwork in the post.

Realistic Expectations for Koloko in the 2023-24 Season

Koloko is still in the early stages of his NBA career, and while his potential is clear, it’s important to set realistic expectations for his role with the Lakers this season. Here’s what Lakers fans can likely expect:

• Backup Center Role: Koloko will likely come off the bench, providing 10-15 minutes per game, primarily as a defensive specialist and rim protector.
• Situational Matchups: Koloko may see increased minutes against teams with dominant interior players, where his shot-blocking and defensive presence will be critical.
• Developing Offense: Offensively, he’ll be used primarily as a roll man and lob threat in pick-and-roll sets. His offensive growth will take time, but any improvement in his jumper or post moves will be a bonus.

The X-Factor: Koloko’s Defensive Impact

If Christian Koloko can live up to his defensive potential, he could become an important piece for the Lakers as they chase another championship. His ability to block shots, alter opponents’ attempts, and protect the paint could give the Lakers a valuable defensive anchor off the bench. In a Western Conference loaded with elite big men like Nikola Jokic and Karl-Anthony Towns, having a player like Koloko who can provide interior defense is crucial.

Conclusion: Koloko’s Role Moving Forward

Christian Koloko is a project with considerable upside, especially on the defensive end. As he continues to develop his offensive game and adjusts to the NBA’s speed, his impact could grow. For now, the Lakers are likely to utilize Koloko primarily as a defensive specialist who can give them quality minutes backing up Anthony Davis.

If Koloko continues to work on his game and refine his s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, there’s a good chance that he could become a more prominent player in the Lakers’ rotation, especially as the team navigates the long grind of the NBA season. Keep an eye on Koloko as a potential X-factor on defense for the Lakers this season.