After training Krock for a year, what do the Lakers really like?

Korlock was selected by the Raptors with a 33rd pick in 2022. He averaged 13.8 minutes per game in the rookie season, scoring 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 blocks, but then missed the entire 23-24 season due to thrombosis. He was later signed by the Lakers and has been hovering in the Development League and the NBA, and also participated in this summer league.

Christian Kolok, height in shoes: 2.13 meters, arm span: 2.27 meters. His top static physical talent is third in height among the players participating in the physical test, and his wingspan and standing height are second. His dynamic talent is not bad. He is an agile inside player.

What exactly does the Lakers like him? What are you cultivating?

The answer must be defense. His height and movement speed are not a traditional inside player in a sense, and he can defend from 3 to 5 on the court. In the summer United, there will be no situation where other centers cannot keep up with the breakthrough of small defenders, and they can stay in front of them well. Not only that, when playing defensive counterattacks on the opponent, you can also return to defense in a timely manner.

Many people will say that this is just a summer league, a group of trial fields that cannot play in the NBA. Then let’s take a look at his regular season performance.

Two blocks in one round, once a tip-in, then keep the defensive position and block the block and cut into the layup

Reed's big hit to Vincent Jr., and was finally blocked by Kolock

Also assisting the defense in the interior and defending with James

Let's look at his defensive performance when facing outside players. The flexibility and speed of his footwork help him keep up with outside players

The second point is: eating cake

The only thing a player like him can do on the offensive end is to eat cakes and cut in time. He doesn't need to launch an attack independently, his offensive choice and dunk position at the basket are very good.

Many Lakers fans regard him and Hayes as the same type of players, but that is not the case. Rather than saying that Korlock is in the 5th position, I prefer to put him in the 3rd and 4th position forwards. His mobility and flexibility, including the ductility of defense, is something Hayes does not have. In addition, with Ayton joining now, if Krock and Ayton appear at the same time, the effect will not be very poor. Ayton's shooting percentage in the 2024-2025 season was 56.6%, and his long-term career stability was above 56%. The lap outside the paint area is basically his dessert position. Krock can play the role of eating cake at the basket when attacking, and help Ayton make up for defense and assist in defense through footsteps and speed when defending.

Of course, the employment of the future depends on how Redick is allocated, but I think it is not unreasonable for Lake Management to give Krock a two-way contract for two consecutive years.

So do you think Koroke will play this season?