Lakers Rumors: Christian Koloko cleared by NBA after blood clot | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

Los Angeles Lakers big man Christian Koloko has reportedly taken a major step toward his return to the court.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported Tuesday that the NBA's Fitness to Play Panel had medically cleared Koloko to return. The 24-year-old hasn't played in an NBA game since April 2023 because of a blood clot that once looked like it would jeopardize his entire career.

The plan is for Koloko to begin training with the Lakers this week and improve until he is ready to play in games.

Earlier this month, Charania and Dave McMenamin said the NBA's game fitness panel consists of a league-appointed doctor, a players' union-appointed doctor and a mutually agreed-upon third doctor.

The same report noted that the Lakers were optimistic about the Arizona product's status, which certainly played a role in their decision to sign him to a two-way contract in the offseason.

Koloko entered the league in 2022 as a second-round draft pick of the Toronto Raptors.

As a rookie, he appeared in 58 games and averaged 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 blocks while shooting 48 percent from the field in 13.8 minutes per game. While he didn't contribute much, he appeared to be on his way to becoming a solid interior defender who could give the Raptors depth up front.

However, he was not used in his second season and was declared “out of action indefinitely due to breathing problems” in October 2023.

Toronto then waived him in January 2024 to complete the trade that sent Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers.

The Lakers signed him this offseason, but Charania reported that the Raptors, Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs were also interested.

If he returns, Los Angeles can use him as a key backup behind Anthony Davis. It could also opt to send him to the G League to get back into shape before he becomes a potential part of the rotation for the Purple and Gold.