The NBA season has yet to begin, and the Lakers will already be down one player. The team provided a significant update on backup big man Christian Wood, who missed part of last year due to a season-ending knee injury.
Lakers Provide Update on Injured Backup Center
Latest on Christian Wood
On Monday afternoon, the Lakers announced that Wood underwent surgery on his left knee and will be re-evaluated in eight weeks.
Lakers forward/center Christian Wood underwent a successful arthroscopic surgical procedure on his left knee today. The procedure was performed by Dr. Kristofer J. Jones at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Wood will be reevaluated by team doctors in approximately eight weeks.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) September 9, 2024
Wood, like other Lakers, was hindered by injuries last season. Across 50 games, he averaged 6.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and one assist per game on .466/.307/.702 splits. He last played for LA on Feb. 14 against the Jazz, logging two points and four rebounds in 16 minutes of action.
His surgery comes weeks after he posted a bold message to social media, declaring he is coming back with a “vengeance.” With the latest news of Wood’s operation, fans will have to wait a little longer for his comeback, as he seeks to prove himself after a subpar first season in the purple and gold.
Wood has since posted on X following the announcement of his surgery, writing:
Damn.. I was just feeling like my old self again and was in peak shape … Minor setback for a Major comeback, and to my fans, don’t stop believing in me ..🙏🏽
— 35 (@Chriswood_5) September 9, 2024
More Chances for Wood’s Teammate
Wood’s current timeline means he’ll miss both training camp and preseason, opening up more opportunities for fellow big man Jaxson Hayes behind Anthony Davis. The 24-year-old Hayes played 70 games last year, averaging 4.3 points, three rebounds and 0.5 assists per game. He also shot 72% from the field—doing most of his damage as an athletic lob threat—but 62% from the line. Similar to Wood, Hayes will look to bounce back this upcoming season, taking charge in supplementing a nine-time All-Star.
Hayes’s increased opportunity this season comes with an added bonus: his friendship with his new coach, JJ Redick. The two played together on the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2020-21 season, and Hayes has since expressed excitement in reuniting with his former teammate:
“We were very close friends my rookie year and he was my vet. So, I mean, we have a very close connection, very tight knit connection in like a little gang of guys my rookie year that we all would hangout all the time. But, it’s crazy, I’m just really excited to hopefully get to work with him and I just can’t wait.”
Given the duo’s familiarity with each other, there is no doubt Redick can unlock Hayes’s game as opening night gets closer. Hayes already had some breakout performances at various points last season, headlined by a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double against the Timberwolves in April. Though Hayes may not be a consistent double-double threat, fans should expect his play to improve early on next season. Hayes will play a vital role in Redick’s rotation to start the year, with the potential to win the backup center role if he truly stands out.
