The Los Angeles Lakers signed Christian Koloko to a two-way contract, waiving Blake Hinson to make roster space. Koloko, initially drafted by the Toronto Raptors in 2022, returns to Southern California where he attended Birmingham and Sierra Canyon. In 58 NBA games, the 24-year-old has averaged 3.1 points and 2.9 rebounds in 13.8 minutes per game. 

Waived by the Raptors in January 2024 due to blood clot issues, Koloko was placed in the NBA’s Fitness-to-Play panel and only recently received medical clearance. The Lakers sought additional frontcourt depth following Christian Wood's injury and saw Koloko as a fit. Meanwhile, Hinson, who averaged 18.5 points at Pittsburgh last season, was waived before the season started despite his strong college performance.