After a productive 2022-23 season with the Dallas Mavericks, Christian Wood is embarking on a new chapter in his NBA journey, joining the Los Angeles Lakers for the upcoming season. Wood’s stint with the Mavericks showcased his versatility, and his arrival in Los Angeles is poised to make a significant impact on the Lakers’ roster.
Wood, a 6-foot-10 forward/center, concluded his time with the Mavericks with impressive averages of 16.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists across 67 appearances. This performance came as he played out the final year of his contract, setting the stage for a pivotal career move.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Wood inked a two-year contract with the Lakers. His first-year salary is set at $2.7 million, coupled with a player option worth $3 million for the final year of his deal. This agreement presents a compelling opportunity for both parties involved.
The trade that brought Wood to the Mavericks in the lead-up to the 2022 NBA Draft saw him exchanged for the 26th overall pick and several players who hadn’t been part of the rotation in the previous season. However, his move to the Lakers signifies a fresh start and a chance to showcase his skills in a new environment.
One of the primary reasons the Lakers pursued Wood is his ability to provide efficient floor spacing. With his catch-and-shoot proficiency, Wood can contribute as a versatile roll man and play effectively in the post against mismatched defenders. Paired with Anthony Davis, a rim protector and versatile defender, the Lakers can utilize Wood in various roles, including as a low-man presence and in defensive switches.
Wood’s arrival is expected to bolster the Lakers’ bench unit, particularly in terms of floor spacing, helping compensate for any limitations posed by Jarred Vanderbilt. While Vanderbilt contributes defensive versatility, Wood’s shooting ability can create a more balanced offensive and defensive dynamic.
For the Lakers, who have grappled with injuries to their superstars, Anthony Davis and LeBron James, Wood offers a valuable offensive spark in their absence. The team had been lacking a frontcourt option capable of providing scoring when Davis is sidelined.
The Lakers’ offseason acquisitions, including Jaxson Hayes and the re-signing of Rui Hachimura, provide the team with various frontcourt combinations to experiment with in the short term. This flexibility allows the Lakers to assess their options and adapt their strategies moving forward.
Wood’s journey to the Lakers was marked by uncertainty, as his market value dipped to the point where he agreed to the veteran minimum salary. This unique opportunity provides him with a platform to re-establish his market worth by contributing to a championship-contending team.
While some critics have questioned Wood’s impact on winning, citing him as an “empty-stats” player and suspect locker room presence, this Lakers signing is a low-risk, high-reward gamble. Wood’s presence in the frontcourt alongside Anthony Davis and Jaxson Hayes, combined with his ability to stretch the floor, could be a game-changer for the Lakers.
Wood’s prowess as a catch-and-shoot player was evident during his time partnering with Luka Doncic, and it’s expected that he will bring the same efficiency when playing alongside LeBron James and Austin Reaves. Although Wood’s defense has room for improvement, playing alongside Anthony Davis should mitigate some of the concerns.
This opportunity with the Lakers is a chance for Christian Wood to prove his detractors wrong and demonstrate that he can be a valuable contributor on a championship-caliber team. While he may have aspired to secure a larger deal during the offseason, joining the Lakers on a two-year contract provides him with a platform to shine and potentially secure a more lucrative long-term agreement in the future.
Christian Wood’s journey to the Los Angeles Lakers has finally come to fruition. It’s a tale of perseverance, versatility, and the pursuit of redemption for a player with untapped potential. As he steps onto the Lakers’ court, Wood’s impact on the team’s fortunes and his own career trajectory will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.