THE Los Angeles Lakers aren’t notably good at successful robust, low-scoring video games, however that is precisely what they did Saturday once they topped the New Orleans Pelicans, 104-99. They had been shorthanded for this sport, as they had been with out Jacson Hayes and Rui Hachimura, each with ankle accidents, in addition to Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wooden, who’re nonetheless recovering from offseason procedures.
Hayes’ harm opened up a chance for Christian Koloko, a middle the Lakers signed to a two-way contract through the offseason. Koloko was quiet in his first 4 video games this season, however on Saturday he made a particular affect with six factors, six rebounds, an help, a steal and a block in 11 minutes.
Head Coach JJ Redick gave him credit score for Los Angeles’ victory towards New Orleans.
“He’s been nice for us,” Redick mentioned. “I believe, for him, it is nearly persevering with to construct confidence, not solely as a person, however simply taking part in with the group. This does not occur in a single day. It would not occur in every week or two. He’s, in some methods, an early season addition to our workforce.
“He was good tonight. We had him within the inside zone on that final play once they ended up getting the turnover. Good man to have on the roster to place collectively and he produced.
Anthony Davis, the Lakers’ famous person heart who’s having an unbelievable begin to the season, additionally had some uplifting phrases about Koloko.
Followers ought to hold their expectations comparatively low for Koloko, who was drafted within the second spherical in 2022. But when he nonetheless packing containers nicely, secures rebounds, defends the rim and runs the courtroom in transition, he may give the Lakers another choice at backup heart behind Davis, even after Hayes returns.
Backup heart is taken into account by many to be their workforce’s largest weak point proper now, and Koloko might be somebody who helps shore issues up over time.
This text was initially revealed on LeBron Wire: JJ Redick and Anthony Davis congratulate Christian Koloko after Saturday’s victory
