https//x.com/LakerTom/status/1854164170457088402
Laker Nation watched in horror as Anthony Davis went down with an apparent ankle injury during last night’s game. Yes, he was able to stay on the floor until the final whistle. But it was evident from him hobbling up and down the court while grimacing in pain that he was hurt. Sure enough, no one wants to see the LA side’s key starter miss games, especially after the dominant start he has had to the season. But if it comes to that, JJ Redick might turn to his 24-year-old big man for help, who is set to return from over a year-long hiatus.
We are talking about Christian Koloko. Well, Rob Pelinka signed him in September on a two-way contract. However, he has not played an NBA game since last April. The hooper was forced to take a year off because of respiratory illness and blood clots. But the latest update via @LADEig on X reveals, “Christian Koloko is with the team and will be listed as active tomorrow.”
Fortunately, the NBA’s Fitness-to-Play panel cleared him to play last week. Well, JJ Redick revealed after the 7’1 Center got clearance that he would begin his play process with the South Bay Lakers, the G League affiliate. But things could change, now that the team is dealing with AD’s injury. Following last night’s game, Davis has been listed as questionable for the upcoming Memphis encounter due to a left heel contusion. And the Lakers are in desperate need of size.
So, it is very likely that Koloko directly gets the call up to the main roster to serve as a backup Center for the Purple and Gold.
The silver lining in Anthony Davis’ injured heel could be Christian Koloko getting an earlier opportunity to earn a spot in the Lakers’ 9-man rotation. AD’s injury may leapfrog Koloko over Vanderbilt and Wood and into the Lakers’ rotation starting tonight. Koloko hasn’t played in over a year but the Lakers are desperate and face a Memphis team tonight that has great size.
Because of the Lakers’ desperate need for another big to help offset what has become a serious vulnerability against bigger more physical centers, Koloko is likely to see some action tonight. At the least, he will give the bench lineups desperately needed size and maybe get a chance to play next to AD. It should be interesting to see if Koloko’s presence encourages AD to play tonight.