Christian Koloko Joining Grizzlies On 10-Day Hardship Contract

Koloko, 25, began the season on a two-way deal with the Lakers, but he was waived in late November to create an opening for the team to add Drew Timme. Koloko made two brief appearances before the move, with no points and one rebound in six total minutes.

The Austin Spurs acquired his G League rights last week, claiming him off the waiver wire. He has played in four total G League games this season, two with Austin and two with the South Bay Lakers.

Koloko was selected with the 33rd pick in the 2022 draft and had a strong rookie season with Toronto. However, a blood clot issue prevented him from playing in 2023/24 and he was released in January of that season. The Lakers signed him to a two-way contract in July 2024, and he was medically cleared to resume his career by the NBA’s fitness-to-play panel three months later.

He has appeared in 97 total NBA games with career averages of 2.8 points and 2.7 rebounds in 11.9 minutes per night.

The Grizzlies qualify for the hardship exception because of massive injury issues. Eight players are listed as unavailable for Monday’s game at Oklahoma City.