an old one Arizona wildcat He has overcome a significant hurdle as he tries to return to NBA Action.

According to ESPN’s Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania, Los Angeles Lakers 7-foot center Christian Koloko has been medically cleared to return to the court after passing the requirements of the NBA’s eligibility to play panel.

“Koloko will begin training with the Lakers this week, making his first appearance since April 2023 and his career-threatening blood clot issue,” Charania writes.

While in Arizona, Koloko made a huge impact during his three seasons with the team. In his senior year as a junior, he was named All-Pac 12 First Team as well as the conference Most Improved Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. He also tied the program’s single-season record for most blocked shots (102) in a year.

Chosen by himself Toronto Raptors In the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft. The player, who played in 58 games with the Raptors in the 2022-23 season, averaged 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and one block in 13.8 minutes per game. The team waived superstar Pascal Siakam to make room after trading him to the Indiana Pacers for three players.

He officially signed a two-way contract with the Lakers in September of this year. Despite concerns that he missed all of last season, the team impressed after holding a private practice for multiple teams at the Las Vegas Summer League last July.

Despite a small sample size at the professional level, Koloko has shown that he has the potential to be an elite shot blocker and help keep possessions alive with his ability to grab offensive rebounds.

Since the injured Christian Wood is expected to return next month, the Lakers may add two ‘big men’ to their roster soon. Regardless, having Koloko back in practice would be great for Los Angeles, which has already dealt with a lot of injuries this season. The team, which will play against the Phoenix Suns on Monday, has ruled that seven players cannot play.

It’s unclear when the former Wildcat will return to live NBA action. But taking big steps in the right direction to pursue the dream of playing on the professional circuit is extremely encouraging.