Lakers to reportedly sign Christian Koloko, Chris Manon to two-way contracts
The Lakers will use their two-way contracts to add Christian Koloko and Chris Manon to the team.
It appears the Lakers have filled out a couple of their two-way spots for the upcoming season. The Lakers will be bringing back Christian Koloko on a two-way contract and will also be adding Chris Manon.
Koloko was with the Lakers last season on a two-way and just had an impressive Summer League with the purple and gold.
Manon is an undrafted rookie from Vanderbilt who played with the Golden State Warriors in Summer League and impressed the Lakers enough to earn this two-way deal.
ESPN’s Shams Charania was the first to report the signings.
The Los Angeles Lakers plan to sign 7-footer Christian Koloko and forward Chris Manon on two-way NBA contracts, sources tell ESPN. Manon, undrafted out of Vanderbilt, played for the Warriors in California and Las Vegas summer leagues. Koloko played 37 games for L.A. last season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 21, 2025
During Koloko’s 37 games with Los Angeles last season, he put up modest numbers, averaging 2.4 points and 2.5 rebounds per game.
However, in the G league with the South Bay Lakers, he showed flashes of his potential, averaging 14.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 3.1 blocks in 10 regular season games.
In Las Vegas Summer League, Koloko continued to show promise, averaging 7.2 points, 1.2 steals and 2.6 blocks per game.
While Los Angeles has improved their center depth by adding Deandre Ayton in free agency, using a two-way contract on a big with upside is a good move for the Lakers.
Manon averaged just 6.6 points during his lone season at Vanderbilt. He spent his first three collegiate seasons at Cornell.
While Manon’s offensive numbers don’t impress, he is a solid defender. Manon averaged a block and 1.7 steals in Vanderbilt and showed similar defensive abilities during his Summer League games with the Warriors.
Word on Chris Manon is he’s a high-level defender and a smart player with a great motor who “plays the right way.” Value as a two-way signing in their developmental program.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 21, 2025
With Koloko and Manon now reportedly signed to two-way contracts, it will be interesting to see who the third person will be that the Lakers place on this deal.
It was previously reported that Eric Dixon was going to be signed to a two-way deal, but he injured his right foot and didn’t play in any Summer League games. Dan Woike of The Athletic then reported that the contract had not yet been officially signed.
Last season, Trey Jemison III was on a two-way contract with the Lakers.
The big played in the Summer League with the Lakers this year as well and was adequate but not a standout.
We’ll see if he is again on a two-way deal with the Lakers, if Los Angeles still gives that spot to Dixon, or goes in a different direction.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.