Lakers Forced to Seek Help From 7’1 Giant, Amid Worry Over AD’s Injury

Lakers Forced to Seek Help From 7’1 Giant, Amid Worry Over AD’s Injuryhttps://t.co/LdnSTsKbSn via @es_sportsnews

— LakerTom (@LakerTom) November 6, 2024

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.

How can Christian Koloko help the Lakers solve their size problem?

Obviously, Koloko is nowhere close to being a superstar of AD’s caliber. And the latter has had a monster start to this season, averaging a league-high 32.6 points. But he revealed yesterday that he’s been managing a lingering ankle issue since this summer. And the Lakers could certainly use a backup player like Koloko to take some load off him.

While Christian has not played in over a year, he had a decent start to his career in Toronto. During his rookie year, he averaged 3.1 points and nearly 3 rebounds in limited minutes. And his ability to protect the paint surely caught everyone’s attention as he averaged one block per game. Even during his junior year in college, the hooper averaged an impressive 2.8 blocks.

Koloko could play a similar role for the LA Lakers and be a constant defensive presence inside the paint. Sure enough, it will allow their offense to run more smoothly, knowing that they have a reliable big man inside. And JJ would not have to worry about overexerting Anthony Davis on both ends of the floor.