The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly added Christian Wood to their team under a two-year contract, with the second year being a player option.
With the Lakers, Wood will be joining his eighth team in the NBA. So far, Wood has played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte Hornets, Milwaukee Bucks, New Orleans Pelicans, Detroit Pistons, Houston and Dallas.
The Lakers have reportedly spent $5.7 million to add the free agent Christian Wood to the squad. With the contract, Wood will make an earning estimated up to $2.7 million this season, and the player option for 2024-25 will get him a payment closer to $3 million.
This is a huge deal as well as an opportunity for Wood as he can further enhance his market value if he is able to perform well this season for the team. As of now, the current general perception about the player is that his playing doesn’t impact winning in the least, and he is better for the bench.
Christian Wood Career Stats
In the last season, the 6-foot-10 forward/center averaged 16.6 points and 7.3 rebounds in 67 games with the Mavericks. Wood also shot 51.5% from the field last season, with 36.7% on 3-pointers.
In his 7-year career, 27-year-old Wood has averaged 14.8 points and 7.3 rebounds playing for various teams. His best season, however, was in 2020-21, with an average of 21 points and 9.6 rebounds for the Houston Rockets.
While the Lakers have not disclosed the specifics of the contract, Wood recently tweeted, “It’s always been my dream to be a Laker.”
The Lakers are said to have made the decision only because it is a risk-free shot, and it can also prove to be quite beneficial for the club if Wood performs well. Alongside the two big lineups of Anthony Davis and Jaxson Hayes, Wood can help improve the Lakers’ game.
While the defending abilities of Wood leave a lot to be desired, it is believed that playing in the AD lineup can potentially negate this drawback. Wood, in the previous season, had performed quite well partnering alongside Luka Doncic because of his shooting abilities. He is expected to do the same with Austin Reaves for the Lakers.
It is objectively agreed upon that Wood can be a better defender. Thus, this contract is a big opportunity for the player to prove himself so that his market value can improve and he can get a long-term deal next time.
