Christian Koloko is returning to the NBA.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reports the former Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Lakers big man is signing a 10-day deal with the Memphis Grizzlies under a 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
Koloko, 25, appeared in two games with the Lakers this season before being waived by the team in late November.
A native of Douala, Cameroon, Koloko was originally selected with the 33rd overall pick of the 2022 NBA Draft by the Raptors out of Arizona.
After appearing in 58 games during his rookie season, Koloko was diagnosed with a blood clot issue. He was waived by the team in January of 2024. Medically cleared by the league, he joined the Lakers in the fall of 2024 and appeared in 37 games for the team last season.
For his career, Koloko has appeared in 97 games over three seasons, averaging 12.0 minutes a night.
The Grizzlies (13-15) are currently dealing with a rash of injuries. Guards Scotty Pippen Jr. (foot) and Ty Jerome (calf) are out long term, while Toronto-born Zach Edey (ankle) and guard Javon Small (toe) picked up injuries earlier this month and will be out of action until 2026. Guard John Konchar underwent hand surgery and will be reevaluated early next year.
Meanwhile, guards Ja Morant (ankle) and Vince Williams Jr. (knee) and Vancouver-born forward Brandon Clarke (calf) will not dress in the team’s visit to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder (25-3) on Monday night.
