New name emerges for Lakers in their search for a big man

The Los Angeles Lakers have enjoyed a quiet offseason, with no new additions coming through the doors during the free-agency period. Bronny James and Dalton Knecht are the only fresh faces on JJ Redick's roster, having joined the Purple and Gold via the 2024 NBA draft.

The franchise has recently been linked with a potential move for Jonas Valanciunas closer to the Feb. 6 trade deadline as it looks for an additional big man to add to its rotation. However, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania, 24-year-old Christian Koloko has emerged as a potential free-agent target following his medical clearance to play in the upcoming season.

Koloko missed the entirety of last season due to a blood clot issue. He had previously been referred to the league's Fitness-to-Play panel, which removed his eligibility to play until he had been medically cleared. Now that he can resume his career, Koloko will be looking for a landing spot that makes sense following his debut season with the Toronto Raptors.

Charania has reported that the Raptors, LA Clippers and San Antonio Spurs are also interested in adding the young big man. However, sharing the floor with Anthony Davis and LeBron James could be a big draw. Koloko would fit the mold of a rim-running big who could get the best out of Davis if he was moved to the power forward position — the same position he played with Dwight Howard during the team's run to a championship in 2020.

Los Angeles has spent this summer rebuilding its coaching staff. As such, Koloko could join a franchise that's putting more emphasis into developing young talent for the future, which could make the team the perfect landing spot as he looks to get his career back on track.

Nevertheless, if Rob Pelinka prefers a big who can make an immediate impact, it would still make more sense for the Lakers to hold out and trade for Valanciunas once he becomes eligible to be moved.