The arrival of Christian Koloko to the Lakers was bound to make someone unhappy since the Los Angeles roster was already full, with 15 players on guaranteed contracts and three “two-way contracts.”
Who among Armel Traoré, Blake Hinson or Colin Castelton was going to be released to make way for the Cameroonian centre, who was allowed to play again after a blood clot problem that required surgery and put the rest of his career in danger? It was ultimately winger Blake Hinson, who played at Ole Miss and Pittsburgh, who was sacrificed by the “Purple & Gold”.
Enough to allow Nolan Traoré's big brother to keep his place in the Californian squad, and therefore to really start his career across the Atlantic, shuttling between the NBA and the G-League. But also for Christian Koloko to try to relaunch his career after this big setback.
LAKERS 2024/25 ROSTER
Leaders: D'Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino
Backs/wingers: LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Max Christie, Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, Maxwell Lewis, Bronny James
Interiors: Anthony Davis, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Christian Wood, Jaxson Hayes
Two-way contracts : Armel TraoreColin Castleton, Christian Koloko