The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to bolster their roster with promising young players, as reports indicate the team plans to sign Christian Koloko and Chris Manon to two-way contracts. According to sources cited by ESPN’s Shams Charania, these moves aim to add depth and potential to the Lakers’ lineup while allowing flexibility between the NBA and the G League.
Christian Koloko, a 7-foot center, appeared in 37 games for the Lakers last season, demonstrating glimpses of his abilities as a rim protector and rebounder. Despite limited minutes, Koloko’s size and defensive presence caught the team’s attention, making him a candidate to develop further under the Lakers’ system.
Chris Manon, meanwhile, is a forward who went undrafted out of Vanderbilt but showed promise during stints with the Golden State Warriors’ summer league teams in California and Las Vegas. Manon’s journey through undrafted free agency and competitive summer league play reflects his determination and skill set, which impressed Lakers executives enough to consider him for a two-way contract.
Two-way contracts allow players like Koloko and Manon to split their time between the NBA and the team’s affiliate G League squad, providing valuable playing time and growth opportunities without occupying a full roster spot. For the Lakers, these agreements are strategic tools to cultivate talent that can contribute in the near future while maintaining roster flexibility.
As the Lakers continue to navigate personnel decisions in the offseason, adding younger, hungry players to their roster could complement their efforts to remain competitive in a tough Western Conference landscape. Fans will be keen to watch how Koloko and Manon develop with the Lakers, as the organization looks to blend experience with emerging talent.
With Christian Koloko’s prior experience in the league and Chris Manon’s fresh energy from summer leagues, these signings could prove beneficial as the Lakers seek to build a versatile and dynamic squad for the upcoming season.
