Grizzlies Sign Free Agent Former Lakers Center

Dec 1, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) gets blocked by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23), forward/center Anthony Davis (3), and center Christian Koloko (10) in the final second of the second half at the Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images | Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images

The Memphis Grizzlies have brought in a free agent former Los Angeles Lakers big man to bolster its depth.

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Shams Charania of ESPN reports that Memphis is inking ex-two-way Lakers center Christian Koloko to a 10-day contract through the Grizzlies' hardship exception.

The Memphis Grizzlies are signing former Lakers and Raptors center Christian Koloko to a 10-day contract via hardship exception, sources tell ESPN.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 22, 2025

He made his debut with Memphis on Dec. 22.

The 6-foot-11 Arizona product initially agreed to a two-way deal with Los Angeles at the start of the 2024-25 season. In 37 games with the Lakers, Koloko averaged 2.4 points on 60.6 percent shooting from the floor and 71.4 percent shooting from the charity stripe, 2.5 boards, and 0.5 dimes.

He signed another two-way contract with the Lakers heading into 2025-26, but LA waived him in favor of ex-Brooklyn Nets forward Drew Timme last month.

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Across three games with the Grizzlies and Lakers this season, the 25-year-old has been averaging 07. rebounds in 5.3 minutes per.

The former Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year has earned more playing time at the G League level. While his scoring even there hasn't been much to write home about, his defense and rebounding have obviously impressed Memphis scouts.

In four total Tip-Off Tournament games between the South Bay Lakers and the Austin Spurs (NBAGL affiliates of the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs, respectively), Koloko has posted averages of 7.8 points on 56.5 percent shooting from the field and 66.7 percent free throw shooting, 7.5 boards and 2.3 blocks a night.

The Grizzlies have struggled through a wildly uneven start to their 2025-26 season. They're currently just 13-16 on the year, and on a two-game losing streak.

Tallying the Grizzlies' Ailing Frontcourt Pieces

Memphis' frontcourt depth has been a big impediment, which in part could explain the team's decision to give Koloko a shot.

7-foot-4 Memphis center Zach Edey recently suffered an ankle injury and will be out until at least January. Bigs who stand 7-foot-2 and over have generally struggled to stay healthy throughout their NBA careers, and Edey is dangerously close to joining that group.

Reserve Brandon Clarke has appeared in just two games after recovering from an offseason right knee surgery. He's still rounding into form. Forward Santi Aldama has taken on a bigger role than perhaps was initially intended.

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.