Report: Lakers optimistic about Christian Koloko’s status, expect NBA decision soon

With the regular season looming, the Lakers are reportedly optimistic that Christian Koloko will soon be medically cleared by the NBA.

The Lakers might not have made any blockbuster trades, but they continue to make moves within the margins to improve their roster.

On Saturday, the team signed Quincy Olivari to a two-way contract and waived Colin Castleton and Grayson Murphy.

One player the Lakers have already brought on but has yet to participate in action is Christian Koloko.

The center signed with Los Angeles on a two-way deal but is still waiting to be medically cleared by the NBA.

In his latest article for ESPN, Shams Charania reported that the team is still optimistic he will be cleared and available to play soon.

As the Lakers part with Castleton, there is optimism within the franchise surrounding Christian Koloko’s status. Sources with knowledge of the situation told ESPN that a decision from the NBA’s “fitness-to-play” panel is expected very soon.

Last season with the Raptors, Koloko had a blood clot issue that kept him on the sidelines. Toronto eventually waived him and the league was informed of the medical issue.

While his doctors have given him the okay to return to the court, the NBA’s fitness-to-play panel must officially clear Koloko before he can play for the Lakers.

Koloko has expressed his optimism regarding being cleared to play. At this point, it’s just a matter of time before the league updates the Lakers.

It’s unlikely Koloko will have a big role in Los Angeles. The center averaged 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and one block per game in 13.8 minutes during his rookie season, playing 58 times.

Still, he is a big the Lakers can and should give minutes to right now, especially with Christian Wood recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and Castleton no longer on the roster.

Koloko’s two-way contract allows him to split his time between the team and their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.

So, it makes sense to have him on the bench and ready for an extended look during the early parts of the season while Wood is out.

Hopefully, Koloko will be allowed to participate in games soon now that the preseason is over and the regular season is about to begin.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.