Lakers Signing Christian Koloko, Chris Manon To Two-Way Contracts

The Los Angeles Lakers are beginning to round out their roster with NBA developmental pieces.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Los Angeles has filled two of its three two-way contract slots by signing center Christian Koloko and rookie wing Chris Manon. Both players were free agents, with Koloko returning after drawing outside interest.

Koloko, a 7-foot-1 center from Cameroon, showed promise as a rookie with the Toronto Raptors in 2022-23 before a blood clot issue sidelined him for the entire following season. After being medically cleared last fall, Koloko joined the Lakers on a two-way deal and stuck with the organization through the year.

He appeared in 37 NBA games for L.A., averaging 2.4 points and 2.5 rebounds in just over nine minutes per game. He also made 12 appearances in the G League with South Bay, where he put up 14.5 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game in nearly 30 minutes of action.

Koloko, 25, returned to Summer League this month and continued to show signs of growth, averaging 7.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.6 blocks in five appearances in Las Vegas.

Manon, a 6-foot-5 guard/forward out of Vanderbilt, went undrafted in June but impressed enough in Summer League play with the Warriors to earn a two-way opportunity. He suited up for Golden State in both the California Classic and Vegas sessions, showing some versatility and energy on the wing.

The Lakers now have one remaining two-way slot available as they prepare for training camp in the fall.

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