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Former Lakers Big Man Gets Unexpected News Amid Roster Concerns

A former Lakers center faces an uncertain future after a sudden roster move, while Los Angeles deals with questions about its frontcourt.

Published: Friday, 9 October 2026 at 11:01 PM
Former Lakers Big Man Gets Unexpected News Amid Roster Concerns
Key Things to Know
  • Former Lakers center Christian Koloko was waived by the New Orleans Pelicans after playing one preseason game.
  • Koloko was released from a non-guaranteed Exhibit 9 contract following a four-minute appearance against the Miami Heat.
  • The Lakers are dealing with frontcourt depth concerns as center Walker Kessler recovers from a jammed finger.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Los Angeles Lakers center Christian Koloko was waived by the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday after appearing in just one preseason game. Koloko played only four minutes on a non-guaranteed Exhibit 9 contract before his release. The move makes him an unrestricted free agent at a time when the Lakers are managing limited depth at the center position.

Los Angeles has been playing without projected starting center Walker Kessler due to a jammed finger, leaving Kevon Looney as the lone traditional center. However, signing Koloko poses roster challenges because he is ineligible for a two-way contract, meaning the Lakers would need to clear space on their standard 15-man roster.

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