NBA Trade News: Los Angeles Lakers Add 6-foot-5 Warriors Guard and Christian Koloko on Two-Way Deals to Bolster Defense and Depth

The Los Angeles Lakers have added two new names to their roster for the upcoming season, signing undrafted rookie Chris Manon and re-signing big man Christian Koloko to two-way contracts.

These moves, while not as high-profile as the arrivals of Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, reflect the franchise’s focus on building a tougher, more defensively sound team with valuable role players.

Who Are the New Additions in the Los Angeles Lakers Roster?

Chris Manon brings length, energy, and defense from the wing position. A 6’5”, 215-pound guard-forward hybrid, Manon started his college career at Cornell before transferring to Vanderbilt. He impressed in the 2025 Summer League with the Golden State Warriors, averaging 11 points on 50% shooting, alongside 5.2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game.

His high “stocks” (steals plus blocks) per minute signal strong defensive instincts and the ability to disrupt plays on both ends of the floor.Christian Koloko, a 7-foot center, returns to the Lakers after spending time with both the main roster and their G League affiliate. Despite dealing with health issues earlier in his career, Koloko appeared in 37 NBA games last season and stood out in the G League, where he averaged 14 points, 8 rebounds, and over 3 blocks per game.

His profile fits the mold of a modern rim protector with upside.

Fit with Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and the Los Angeles Lakers’ Direction

The Los Angeles Lakers are clearly retooling their identity around defense and physicality. The arrivals of veterans Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton signal a shift toward a more aggressive, scrappy style of play. • Marcus Smart, known for his leadership and elite perimeter defense, is expected to play a key role in shaping the team’s culture. His influence could accelerate the development of defensive-minded prospects like Manon, especially during practice and in limited game situations. • Deandre Ayton, a proven rebounder and interior scorer, provides a valuable model for Koloko to learn from. The duo could form a formidable defensive core in the paint, giving the Lakers added protection against elite bigs.Manon and Koloko also complement other younger pieces like Adou Thiero, forming a second unit that prioritizes energy, toughness, and switchable defense.

What They Bring to the Lakers Roster

• Defensive Identity: Manon and Koloko embody hustle-first basketball.

Chris Manon can guard multiple positions, and Koloko anchors the paint with his shot-blocking, giving the Los Angeles Lakers lineup flexibility and depth on the defensive end. • Developmental Potential: Like Alex Caruso and Austin Reaves before them, Chris Manon and Koloko could grow into rotation players. Their G League stints will be crucial in fine-tuning their offensive skill sets, but both already offer NBA-caliber defense. • Two-Way Flexibility: Their contracts allow the Los Angeles Lakers to use them in both G League and NBA games without taking up a full roster spot, providing useful depth during the regular season grind and potential insurance during playoff runs.Though not splashy additions, Chris Manon and Christian Koloko represent the type of savvy, under-the-radar moves that could pay dividends for the Lakers. They may not be household names, but their defensive prowess and team-first mentality align with the franchise’s broader direction under new-look leadership. If their development stays on track, Lakers fans could soon find themselves cheering on another pair of unlikely success stories in purple and gold.Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Urged to Acquire $48 Million Boston Celtics Star to Bolster Frontcourt Depth; Maxi Kleber Key Trade Asset?Their role will depend on health, performance, and roster needs—but their presence offers the Los Angeles Lakers a gritty, high-motor foundation to call upon when needed.