• Christian Wood has signed a two-year contract with the Lakers
• The deal includes a player option in year two
• Wood last played for the Dallas Mavericks
Adrian Wojnarowski has reported that big man Christian Wood will be signing with the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year contract. The deal includes a player option for the second year and has finally rounded out the big-man depth the Lakers needed.
“Free agent F/C Christian Wood has agreed on a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN. Deal includes a player option.”
Free agent F/C Christian Wood has agreed on a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN. Deal includes a player option.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 6, 2023
Wood averaged 16.6 points and 7.3 rebounds for the Dallas Mavericks last season. Even though his box score statistics say he had a good season, Wood had an extremely difficult time fitting in with the Mavericks.
The Mavericks reportedly failed to trade him due to minimal interest in the winter and made no efforts to re-sign him this summer.
Will Christian Wood Have A Comeback Season In LA?
The Lakers add Wood to a defensive frontcourt rotation. Anthony Davis needs multiple backups in case of injury. Jaxson Hayes addressed the team’s need for a backup shot blocker and rim-runner, while Wood brings a more diverse offensive skill set and stretchability to the rotation.
It could fit wonderfully on the court if Wood buys into his role as a rotational player on the Lakers. There’s potential still to be unlocked. His versatility will be crucial, as he could also be playing as a big-bodied, offense-focused power forward next to Davis or Hayes. His defensive flaws will be a focus, as the Lakers have a rigid defensive structure that Wood will need to adapt to.
The maturity of LeBron James and Anthony Davis could be good for Wood, as he will finally have genuine locker-room leaders with him. The Pistons and Rockets were tanking, while the Mavericks had Luka Doncic, who still is developing qualities as a locker-room leader.
This move majorly strengthens the Lakers ahead of the 23-24 season. Even with Wood’s concerns, there is no doubting his ability to put up big numbers on the court. The Lakers could boast having one of the deepest rosters in the NBA after a very strong offseason that saw them keep almost every player from their playoff rotation along with adding versatile two-way threats across the roster.
What Has Gone Wrong For Christian Wood So Far?
Christian Wood has been one of the more talented big men in the league for years now. Ever since his breakout season with the tanking Detroit Pistons in 2019-20, the player has struggled to find a home. He wasn’t re-signed by the Pistons and traded by the Rockets after two acrimonious seasons. His professionalism has been questioned at every stop in his career.
The Mavericks and Wood didn’t fit well behind the scenes at all, with Jason Kidd and Wood having a particularly difficult relationship. The fact that the Mavericks didn’t make the playoffs after making Wood their blockbuster summer acquisition in 2022 hasn’t helped his stock around the league, as he spent over two months as a free agent before finding a home.
Now, he gets a chance to shine on the most scrutinized team in the NBA. His flaws will be magnified, so he will hope to be a positive contributor to a championship-contending Lakers roster.
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