The Los Angeles Lakers intend to waive two-way guard/forward Blake Hinson, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
LA needed to make a move after it was revealed center Christian Koloko would sign a two-way deal. The Lakers already had three players with two-way deals — the NBA limit — and Hinson became the odd man out. Undrafted rookie forward Armel Traore and center Colin Castleton are the Lakers’ other two-way players.
Hinson, 24, is 6-8 and went undrafted this past summer, signing a two-way deal with LA in July. He spent two seasons at Pittsburgh after a two-year run at Mississppi State. He then put together a nice showing in NBA Summer League games and, as Scotto noted, is likely to draw interest from several other clubs. He could also potentially join the South Bay Lakers of the G League.
Koloko, 24, is 7-1 and missed all of last season with a blood clot issue. But agent Calvin Andrews of Klutch Sports said in August that Koloko had a “major breakthrough” with the issue after undergoing surgery. He has since been cleared to resume playing, per Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.
Koloko also held a private workout for multiple teams at the Las Vegas Summer League in July, and has taken part in five-on-five and full-contact sessions this offseason. He is awaiting clearance from the NBA, but eligible to sign with anyone immediately.
Koloko appeared in 58 games with the Raptors during the 2022-23 season. He started 19 of those games and compiled averages of 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 blocks for the year. He missed all of last season after being diagnosed with a blood clot.
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