Insider Shares Update on Former Raptors Center & Lakers Trade Talks

Former Toronto Raptors center Christian Koloko has yet to be cleared to play by the NBA's medical team as the Los Angeles Lakers search for a center in trade talks

Dec 7, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) battles for the ball with Toronto Raptors forward Christian Koloko (35) during the second quarter at the Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images / Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to wait for Christian Koloko to be medically cleared.

Despite the green light from Koloko's own doctors and Lakers doctors, the former Toronto Raptors center has yet to be granted permission to return to the NBA by the league's Fitness-to-Play panel of doctors, ESPN's Shams Charania reported. Koloko has been sidelined since before last season with a blood clotting issue that forced Toronto to part ways with the sophomore big man.

"The Lakers have been exploring potentially adding a big man, a center to their roster." 👀 @ShamsCharania makes his NBA Today debut with the latest on the Lakers' search for a big 💪 pic.twitter.com/8iqVBTIGrJ

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 10, 2024

Once cleared, Koloko will join the Lakers on a two-way contract where he's expected to be a part of Los Angeles' center rotation once he's up to speed.

In the meantime, the Lakers are said to be searching for another center who can bolster their frontcourt rotation alongside Anthony Davis. The Lakers continue to be without Christian Wood, their offseason center addition who is battling injuries, and their depth is being tested already.

It's far too early for teams to begin engaging in serious trade talks, but Raptors center Jakob Poeltl is one name to potentially keep an eye on in trade discussions should Toronto start the season slowly. Poeltl showed how important he is to the Raptors last season, but if Toronto is looking to take a step back this year, a deal involving Poeltl would make sense.

The Lakers are narrowly below the second tax apron and would therefore need to send out equal to or less than $19.5 million in salary in order to acquire Poeltl this season. He has two years left on his contract including this one before a player option in 2026-27.

The NBA trade deadline will take place on Feb. 6 for this season.