The Los Angeles Lakers came into the 2025-26 season with one mission in mind: get bigger, get tougher, and fix the glaring hole that burned them in last year’s playoffs - interior size. That’s exactly what they addressed in free agency, signing Deandre Ayton and bringing back Jaxson Hayes. Both moves gave the Lakers a much-needed boost in the frontcourt, providing rim protection, rebounding, and vertical spacing.
Ayton, with his combination of size, mobility, and touch around the rim, gives the Lakers a true two-way presence at the five. Hayes, meanwhile, returns as an energetic backup who’s shown he can hold his own in spurts. Together, they give L.A. a more stable foundation inside, something that was clearly missing when the postseason spotlight turned up the heat.
But the Lakers didn’t stop there. They also took a low-risk flier on Christian Koloko, signing the 7-footer to a two-way deal.
It was a developmental swing - one that offered flexibility and some upside if Koloko could put it all together. Defensively, Koloko flashed what made him intriguing coming out of college: long arms, good timing, and the ability to alter shots at the rim.
Offensively, though, he remained raw - limited mostly to clean-up duty around the basket.
The challenge for Koloko was always going to be size and strength. While he has the length, he struggled to hold his ground against more physical bigs.
That, combined with limited offensive polish, made it tough for him to carve out a consistent role. Eventually, the Lakers made the call to waive him, opting instead to bring in Drew Timme on a two-way contract.
But Koloko’s story isn’t done yet.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Koloko’s G League rights were acquired by the Austin Spurs - San Antonio’s affiliate - positioning him to participate in the upcoming G League Winter Showcase. That’s a big deal.
The Showcase is one of the most heavily scouted events on the NBA calendar, a proving ground for players fighting to earn a roster spot, a 10-day contract, or even a two-way deal. For someone like Koloko, it’s a golden opportunity to show he still belongs in the league.
It’s worth remembering that Koloko’s development curve was disrupted by a serious health issue - a blood clot that sidelined him and cost him valuable time on the court. For a young player still trying to establish himself, that kind of setback can be brutal. But now healthy and back in a competitive environment, Koloko has a chance to reset his trajectory.
Lakers Eyeing Marginal Upgrade Ahead of Trade Deadline
As for the Lakers, they’ve managed to stay competitive despite a season filled with injuries and lineup adjustments. Luka and Austin Reaves have been a revelation in the backcourt - dynamic, smart, and increasingly in sync. That duo has helped keep L.A. firmly in the top half of the Western Conference standings.
LeBron James, ever the chameleon, continues to adapt his game. Each passing week, he’s finding more rhythm in this new-look offense, figuring out where to pick his spots and how to complement the younger core. Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton have stepped up as secondary scorers, especially when defenses load up on the Lakers’ top three options.
Still, one issue has become clear: this team could use more defensive versatility on the perimeter. They’re missing that gritty, switchable 3-and-D presence - the kind of player who can take on tough assignments and knock down open looks when the ball swings their way. That’s likely to be a priority as the trade deadline approaches.
Don’t expect a blockbuster - the Lakers aren’t pushing all their chips in just yet, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee. But a smart, under-the-radar move?
That’s definitely in play. Adding one or two rotation-ready defenders could go a long way in solidifying this team’s playoff push.
For now, the Lakers are holding their own - and if they can patch up a few holes, they might be more dangerous than people realize come April.