Raptors fans will have to watch Christian Koloko from afar next season.
The Los Angeles Lakers have finalized a deal with the former Raptors centre, allowing him to join the team after he receives clearance from the NBA’s fitness panel, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported on Saturday.
Charania reported on Friday that the Lakers were the frontrunners to acquire his services, however, the Raptors, L.A. Clippers and San Antonio Spurs were also mentioned as finalists.
The 24-year-old big man was working on finalizing a return to the league after he dealt with what the Raptors called “respiratory issues” last season. Charania reported in January that Koloko was suffering from a blood clot issue and had been referred to the league’s Fitness-to-Play panel, preventing him from playing for or practising with an NBA team.
Koloko, a 33rd-overall pick by Toronto in 2022, was waived by the Raptors in January after the team traded Pascal Siakam to Indiana in exchange for three players.
In 58 games with the Raptors in 2022-23, Koloko averaged 13.8 minutes, 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 blocks.
The former Arizona product will have a chance to compete for a roster spot in a Lakers frontcourt lacking depth, particularly in the middle behind superstar Anthony Davis.