Lakers Sign Christian Koloko to Two-Way Contract, Waive Blake Hinson…

The Los Angeles Lakers have announced the signing of Christian Koloko to a two-way contract, while releasing Blake Hinson to create roster space. Koloko, originally drafted by the Toronto Raptors in 2022, has played 58 NBA games, averaging 3.1 points and 2.9 rebounds. After facing medical issues due to blood clots and being waived by the Raptors in January 2024, he has now been cleared to play and is excited to join the Lakers.

Koloko, who moved to the U.S. from Cameroon in 2017 and attended schools in Southern California, returns to the region to provide frontcourt depth, especially with Christian Wood injured. Meanwhile, Hinson, who had signed a two-way deal as an undrafted free agent from Pittsburgh, did not make it to the season. Last year, he averaged 18.5 points per game at Pittsburgh and performed well in the Summer League but needs defensive improvement for NBA readiness.

As Koloko joins Colin Castleton and Armel Traore as the Lakers’ two-way players, they can be active in up to 50 games for the Lakers, with the rest of their time spent in the G League. Castleton and Koloko may contribute immediately, while Traore could need further development.