Golden State Warriors’ Chris Manon dunks against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of a NBA summer league basketball game (Credit: AP)
The Lakers will sign a collegiate defensive star and bring back a familiar face with their two open two-way roster spots. ESPN was the first to report on Monday that the Lakers would sign two-way NBA contracts with seven-foot big man Christian Koloko and six-foot-five guard/forward Chris Manon. Koloko averaged 2.4 points and 2.5 rebounds in 37 games (9.2 minutes per game) after initially joining the Lakers on a two-way contract in September of last year.
The Lakers extended a two-way qualifying offer to him last month, making him a restricted free agent. Additionally, Koloko averaged 14.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks in 29.6 minutes while playing for the South Bay Lakers, the Lakers’ G League affiliate, in 12 games. The Lakers are looking to help Koloko, who boasts a 7-5 wingspan, reach his full potential.
In 2022–2023, the 25-year-old Koloko, a previous standout at Sierra Canyon High and the No. 33 choice in the 2022 draft, began his NBA career with the Toronto Raptors, averaging 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and a blocked shot in 13.8 minutes per game (58 games, 19 starts).
Koloko, 25, played for the Lakers’ Summer League team in California and Las Vegas and made 37 appearances for the team last season. As the team’s main centre, he displayed some promising moments. Last season, Koloko was a dependable rotational player who helped cover for the Lakers whenever they were in foul trouble or lacked a big man in the frontcourt.
A high-motor six-foot-five undrafted rookie guard from Vanderbilt, Manon played for the Warriors in the summer leagues this past weekend in Las Vegas and California. Manon started as the team’s guard and averaged 11 points and 5.2 rebounds in five games in Vegas.
The Lakers also waived centre Trey Jemison III this afternoon in an attempt to free up their last two-way spot. Eric Dixon, an undrafted rookie, is reportedly vying for the last position. Due to an injury to his right foot, he was unable to demonstrate his abilities this summer. Last season, Dixon led all collegiate basketball teams in scoring for Villanova.
Although the Lakers’ final two-way berth is still up in the air, head coach JJ Redick and the organisation continue to place a high premium on developing their two-way prospects.