Recently the Los Angeles Lakers signed power forward Christian Wood to a two-year deal worth $5.7 million. The 27-year-old power forward was last seen playing for the Dallas Mavericks. In Dallas for the 2022-23 season, he played a total of 67 games averaging 26 minutes a game. Wood also averaged 16.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. Based on those stats, the veteran power forward can be a good role player for the Lakers. Standing at 6’9″, he can also play as a center not just a power forward. However, turning 28 late this month, can he be a valuable asset to the Lakers? Can he fit in as a Laker?
Will Christian Wood Fit In With the Los Angeles Lakers?
Signs That Point to No
Christian Wood has been in the NBA since 2015 where he was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers. In those 7-8 seasons, he has played for 7 teams. Aside from those NBA teams the power forward has also been relegated to 3 NBA G-League teams. The most games he played was with the Rockets in the 2021-22 season playing 68 games. The least was 8 with the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2018-19 season. His biggest average points scored was in 2020-21 with the Rockets. His worse was with the Charlotte Hornets where he averaged 2.7 points in 2016-17.
It also does not help the power forward that there is a lot of big men in that position for the Los Angeles Lakers. Lebron James can play power forward, and Anthony Davis can play power forward or center.Then, there is the injury history of Christian Wood to worry about, too. More likely, Christian Wood will come off the bench and someone else would start alongside the two big stars. But what would the starting 5 look like?
Projected Starting 5 of the Los Angeles Lakers
The projected starting five of the Los Angeles Lakers would be the following. D’Angelo Russel (PG), Austin Reaves (SG), LeBron James (SF), Jarred Vanderbilt (PF), Anthony Davis (C). The bench looks pretty solid and power forward Christian Wood would have to compete for minutes with a bunch of talented individuals. The second unit could include the following players. Gabe Vincent, Scottie Pippen Jr, Max Christie, Cam Reddish, Taurean Prince, Christian Wood, Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, and Wenyen Gabriel. There is a lot of talent on the Lakers organization and each has an important role to play. Will Christian Wood play his part?
Signs Point to Yes
The reason Christian Wood will work in the Los Angeles Lakers is simple. The power forward will be a great contributor coming off a bench. Wood is a great role player he plays his part perfectly in every team he has played for. With a wingspan of 7’3 he is a pretty good defender as he would bring more size to an already big team. His size also makes him a pretty good rebounder as a power forward. His role would be coming off the bench at either center or power forward. If he stays healthy and plays good he might start a couple of games in the last games of the season. Then there is the mid season tournament. Where Wood will more likely see a lot of minutes and show off his skill set. Only time will tell how Christian Wood will do as a Los Angeles Laker.
