In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NBA community, the Los Angeles Lakers have made the tough call to waive center Christian Koloko, a 6-foot-11-inch big man who had been part of the team’s roster for less than two full seasons. This decision comes hot on the heels of signing Gonzaga legend Drew Timme to a two-way contract, a strategic roster adjustment aimed at bolstering the team’s depth amid their strong start to the 2025-26 season.
Koloko, originally drafted by the Toronto Raptors in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft (pick 33), joined the Lakers in 2024 after overcoming significant health challenges, including blood clot issues that sidelined him for an entire season. During his time with Los Angeles, the Cameroonian center appeared in 39 games across the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons, averaging 2.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.4 blocks per game in limited minutes. His contributions were mostly as a reserve, providing rim protection and rebounding in short bursts. However, with the Lakers’ frontcourt evolving and the need for more versatile options, Koloko’s role diminished, culminating in just two appearances this season where he failed to score.
)
The waiver was reported by NBA insider Brett Siegel, who noted that the Lakers initiated negotiations to sign Timme on November 21, 2025, necessitating the roster spot. This “cruel” but calculated decision underscores the cutthroat nature of NBA roster management, where even promising talents like Koloko can be expendable in pursuit of championship aspirations.
Enter Drew Timme, the Gonzaga Bulldogs icon whose college career was nothing short of legendary. Over four seasons at Gonzaga (2019-2023), Timme averaged 17.2 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, earning two West Coast Conference Player of the Year awards, three All-American selections, and the prestigious Karl Malone Award as the nation’s top power forward. Undrafted in 2023, Timme spent time in the G League, earning second-team honors in 2025, before getting a brief stint with the Brooklyn Nets in the 2024-25 season. There, he impressed in nine games, averaging 12.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while showcasing his polished post moves and basketball IQ.
The Lakers, seeing Timme as a potential depth piece at the power forward/center position, signed the 6-foot-9-inch forward to a two-way deal, allowing him to split time between the NBA roster and the South Bay Lakers in the G League. This move is particularly intriguing given Timme’s prior experience with South Bay, where he honed his skills. Fans and analysts alike view this as a “legendary transfer” from his Gonzaga roots, injecting fresh energy into a Lakers team that’s already firing on all cylinders.
Currently boasting a 12-4 record and sitting second in the Western Conference—tied with the Denver Nuggets and just four games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder—the Lakers are on a four-game winning streak. Their success is driven by a star-studded lineup featuring veterans like LeBron James (still dominating at age 41), Luka Dončić, and recent additions like Deandre Ayton.
This roster shakeup comes at a pivotal time, with the Lakers set to host the Los Angeles Clippers on November 25, 2025, at 11 p.m. ET in the NBA Cup group stage. Waiving Koloko frees up flexibility, but it also highlights the precarious position of fringe players in a league where performance and fit are paramount.
While Koloko’s NBA journey takes an unexpected turn—he now becomes a free agent open to signing elsewhere—Timme’s arrival could prove to be a masterstroke for the Lakers’ front office. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how this “cruel decision” impacts the team’s quest for another title. For now, it’s a reminder that in the high-stakes world of professional basketball, loyalty often takes a backseat to winning.