“Lakers Ink Christian Koloko and Chris Manon to Two-Way Deals — LA Strengthens Depth with Versatile Young Talent”
The Los Angeles Lakers have made a strategic move in the heart of the offseason by officially signing Christian Koloko and Chris Manon to two-way NBA contracts. In a league that increasingly values versatility, potential, and depth, these signings are not just roster fillers—they are pieces of a puzzle the Lakers are determined to solve in their pursuit of another championship. General Manager Rob Pelinka and the front office are clearly seeking to strike a balance between star power and developmental strength, blending future promise with present-day insurance. Koloko and Manon represent different ends of that developmental spectrum, but both have a common thread: untapped upside and the hunger to carve out a place on one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.
Christian Koloko is no stranger to the NBA scene. The 7-foot Cameroonian center was originally drafted by the Toronto Raptors in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft. His time in Toronto showcased flashes of rim protection, rebounding prowess, and a surprisingly mobile defensive presence for someone his size. However, a recent health setback kept him sidelined for much of the 2023-2024 season. Now fully recovered, Koloko is looking to reestablish himself in the league and prove that his upside can translate to consistency at the highest level. By inking a two-way deal with the Lakers, Koloko enters a low-pressure environment with a high ceiling for opportunity. He could develop under the guidance of Anthony Davis, one of the best defensive big men in the league, and find a meaningful role in Darvin Ham’s rotation—particularly in matchups where size and rim protection are a premium.
His defensive potential is what immediately jumps off the tape. Koloko has the timing, instincts, and wingspan to anchor a second unit defensively and cover ground in the paint. While his offensive game remains a work in progress, his ability to screen, roll, and finish above the rim gives him a foundational skill set the Lakers can work with. In a league where rim protection is at a premium, having someone like Koloko developing within the system is not just a smart move—it’s an essential one. His motor, combined with his length, gives the Lakers an asset they can lean on in emergency situations, all while giving him the minutes needed to evolve through the South Bay Lakers in the G League.
On the other side of the coin is Chris Manon, an undrafted prospect out of Colgate University whose rise is one built on grit, hustle, and defensive tenacity. While not a household name, Manon’s body of work in college made him a sought-after under-the-radar prospect for NBA scouts looking for hidden gems. Standing at 6-foot-3, Manon is a combo guard who plays with relentless energy and an edge that reflects his journey. He may not have been drafted, but his defensive metrics, leadership qualities, and relentless motor caught the eye of a Lakers front office that values players who play hard every possession.
What Manon lacks in offensive polish he makes up for with determination and defensive acumen. He has shown a knack for disrupting passing lanes, guarding multiple positions on the perimeter, and doing the little things that often go unnoticed but are essential for winning basketball. In the Lakers’ current roster ecosystem, which features a crowded backcourt headlined by D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and the newly acquired Marcus Smart, Manon will have to carve out his niche through effort, adaptability, and seizing every opportunity he gets in practice or garbage time minutes. His signing signals a commitment by the Lakers to keep the pipeline of development flowing, betting on players with strong intangibles and upside rather than just names with pedigree.
From a broader perspective, these two-way signings highlight how the Lakers are operating differently under Pelinka’s current regime. No longer reliant solely on blockbuster trades or aging veterans to surround LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers are becoming increasingly proactive in investing in youth, development, and long-term sustainability. The G League has become more than just a minor league—it’s now a crucial component of any smart NBA team’s infrastructure. With South Bay acting as the testing ground and proving field, players like Koloko and Manon will receive consistent minutes, top-tier development, and the opportunity to get called up when needed.
For Koloko, the goal is straightforward: regain the momentum that made him a draft pick and turn that potential into production. If he can stay healthy and embrace the developmental grind, he could easily earn a standard NBA contract by the end of the season. The Lakers’ track record with bigs is mixed, but the presence of elite mentors and a defensive-minded head coach could serve as the perfect incubator for his growth. He doesn’t need to become an All-Star overnight. He just needs to prove he can impact games in his minutes on the floor—protect the rim, rebound, and play with discipline.
Manon’s path is a bit steeper but no less inspiring. As an undrafted guard, his margin for error is slim, but so is his tolerance for complacency. Players with chips on their shoulders often become the heartbeat of G League squads, and if Manon can turn heads with his defensive intensity and do-it-all mentality, he could quickly become a fan favorite. There’s always room in the NBA for players who defend like their lives depend on it and can adapt to whatever role is needed. The Lakers are giving him a chance, and sometimes that’s all a player needs to start writing his own story.
These moves also serve as a message to the current roster: competition is coming from all angles. No spot is guaranteed, and performances—whether in practice, training camp, or in South Bay—can shift the balance. It raises the level of competitiveness across the board, which is exactly what the Lakers need heading into a pivotal season. With the championship window still open as long as LeBron and AD are healthy and productive, having a deep, versatile, and hungry roster is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
The signings of Koloko and Manon also reflect an understanding of the modern NBA’s demands. Injuries, load management, and the marathon nature of the season mean that quality depth is no longer optional. Two-way players can now participate in up to 50 games, giving them a much more active role than in previous years. Koloko could easily be called upon during road trips or back-to-backs, especially against bigger frontlines, while Manon could slide in when the team needs fresh legs to defend elite perimeter threats. Their flexibility adds not just talent but options—a priceless asset in a season where every win counts.
From a fan’s perspective, these signings should be embraced as intelligent, low-risk, high-reward moves. While neither Koloko nor Manon is likely to start on opening night or steal headlines from the stars, they are emblematic of a Lakers front office that is doing its due diligence. They are preparing for all outcomes, from contending to rebuilding, without sacrificing the present. For years, Lakers fans have clamored for a more grounded approach to roster building—this is what it looks like.
In the end, both Christian Koloko and Chris Manon are now in positions where the ball, quite literally, is in their court. For Koloko, it’s about capitalizing on a second chance and proving he belongs in the league for the long haul. For Manon, it’s about defying the odds and showing that pedigree is no substitute for hunger, effort, and heart. For the Lakers, it’s about giving themselves every possible edge, no matter how small, in a season that promises to be as competitive and unpredictable as any in recent memory. These aren’t just two-way contracts—they’re seeds planted for the future, with the potential to blossom at just the right time.