- The Lakers inked Christian Wood to a two-year deal
- The team is confident that Wood will be a massive weapon in their artillery
- Wood comes with his own set of plus and minuses, but has LeBron James’ vote of confidence
The Los Angeles Lakers adding Christian Wood to their ranks has generated mixed responses from fans and experts alike, but one in particular believes the gamble is worth it.
The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, in his latest for the sports site, detailed that signing the big for a two-year deal is a gamble that will work in their favor.
“With head coach Darvin Ham, James, and Davis setting the tone and culture, the Lakers are optimistic that Wood will buy into the team in a way he’s never fully bought into his previous stops.”
He further added:
“They think they have the personnel on both ends to maximize his skills on the court. He played with Davis in New Orleans and briefly with Ham when the latter was an assistant coach for the Bucks, for whatever that’s worth. He also immediately tweeted his longstanding desire to play for the Lakers after his signing was announced.”
Wood has been sought after by the Lakers for quite some time now, and they have pipped the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat, who were reported to have been interested in the big’s services. The Lakers now have their third center in the side and have filled up 14 spots on their roster.
In his last four seasons, the 28-year-old has been a journeyman in the NBA, playing for the Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, and the Dallas Mavericks.
He’s averaged 16.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game, and this past season, he propped up 16.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 25.9 minutes per game with the Mavericks.
The Pros And Cons Of Signing Christian Wood
To start with, Christian Wood is a suitable replacement for Anthony Davis in his absence, or in the non-AD minutes as it’s called in Laker land. The former is an offensive threat and can be the kind of player Thomas Bryant was.
He comes as one of the more offensively better bigs in the league with his ability to catch and at a better rate. He comes off a team that’s been brilliant at offense, and should he learn from the James and Davis chemistry, he can up his production level which greatly benefits the side.
As far as the cons go, Wood makes mistakes, particularly on the defensive front. He is slower laterally and his decision-making in crunch times isn’t exactly five-star. Not to mention, he forms a cluttered frontcourt that already has Rui Hachimura, Jared Vanderbilt, Taurean Prince, and Jaxson Hayes.
LeBron James Believes In Christian Wood’s Abilities
That LeBron James believes in what Christian Wood brings to the table comes as a sign of relief for fans, but it’s worth noting that the Lakers and James have been wrong before. Remember Russell Westbrook? Except this time, they are not putting all their chips on one roll.
As far as stats go, Wood has played pretty well against the Lakers averaging 20.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in his last four games against the franchise.
The Christmas Day clash between the Mavs and Lakers was the highlight performance of his Mavs’ career, as he poured 30 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks in a close win.
Add to this James’ own testament that Wood was trouble when he played for Houston. This comes as a massive vote of confidence and should the coaching staff and James himself guide Wood in the right direction, chances are the Lakers can unlock a new level of the center as they aim for another championship.
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