After falling in the first round and firing their head coach shortly after, Lakers fans received some news regarding center Christian Wood and his future with the organization.
Key Lakers Frontcourt Member Decides on Player Option
Christian Wood’s Decision
The 28-year-old Wood has decided to return to the purple and gold by exercising his one-year, $3 million Player Option, according to Mike Scotto of HoopsHype. The main backup to Anthony Davis, Wood improved the Lakers’ depth at center when he was first signed in September. In 50 games (one start), he averaged nearly seven points, five rebounds and one assist per game on .466/.307/.702 splits. His production off the bench was notable, whether it was logging 16 points and eight rebounds in an In-Season Tournament win over Utah, or an efficient 14-point outing on 50% shooting against Toronto.
Though his decision is now official, Wood raised some speculation with a recent post on X/Twitter:
Loved my first year playing for my Hometown team, I Wish I wasn’t hurt majority of the season, But all in all it was a dream come True for me.. I will be better and 100% healthy next season .
— 35 (@Chriswood_5) May 3, 2024
Implications for the Lakers
Christian Wood’s return and his promise to remain healthy are encouraging signs for the Lakers and their fans. The veteran provided a spark off the bench and increased the Lakers’ presence in the paint. Though his scoring was inconsistent, Wood’s defense and rebounding were critical for the team throughout the season, as was the case against the Phoenix Suns at the beginning of the year.
As Wood mentioned, his health will be vital for the Lakers next season. Though Davis played a career-best 76 games this year, part of his success can be attributed to the solid play of Wood off the bench. The backup center made the most of his minutes so Davis wouldn’t have to overcompensate for a lack of production from his backups. Wood’s ability to step up when called upon was huge for LA last season, and he’ll look to build on that trend when October comes around.
But despite Wood’s decision, don’t assume the Lakers are done looking at frontcourt free agents. The Lakers’ lack of size against Denver—compared to the Timberwolves’ abundance of it now—emphasizes the need for a legitimate starting center next to Davis and LeBron James. So, Wood may still hang onto his backup role, but it may not necessarily be for AD. Whether it’s through a trade or free agency, more help may be on the way for the Lakers’ depth in the middle. Through it all, Wood should remain a prominent part of the next head coach’s rotation, given his value on both ends of the floor.
