Christian Wood is inarguably the most talented big man remaining in the 2023 NBA Free Agent class.
Despite something of an off year with the Dallas Mavericks last season, and regardless of how awful his defense is, he did still average 16.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 blocks per outing.
As a starter for the Mavericks, specifically, he averaged 20.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, and 2.3 assists.
Last week, word emerged that the Los Angeles Lakers were quietly establishing themselves as a frontrunner for Wood’s services. Since then, however – it has been radio silence on that front.
Why have the Lakers not signed Wood yet?
Over the weekend, NBA insider Marc Stein offered some clarity on the situation.
“The Lakers have openly stated they want another big and Christian Wood is by far the most talented big man available,” he said.
“But the Lakers are obviously restricted in what they can offer.”
Clearly, the Lakers have already made the majority of the moves they were planning to make this offseason and locked up most of their available funds. There’s a reason Austin Reaves and his girlfriend have been parting it up in recent weeks.
If Woods is trying to cash in – he will need to go elsewhere.
That said, there is something to be said for raising your stock as a member of the Lakers. Multiple guys have suited up for the purple and gold on smaller deals and then gotten paid later. If Wood is interested in something like that, the opportunity is certainly there.
Especially with the lack of legitimate big man talent currently on L.A.’s roster outside of Anthony Davis.
That being said, nobody would blame Wood for not wanting to risk it if he has a better option available. Cautionary tales like Andre Drummond loom. He never quite lived down his terrible run with the Lakers.
And Los Angeles, obviously, has explored other potential big man signings as well.
The world of college gymnastics has never been more competitive. https://t.co/0DuTf2q4bt
— Game 7 (@game7__) July 16, 2023
One way or another, it seems like a virtual certainty that Wood will be playing somewhere in 2023-24.
It’s just a matter of where.
Will Wood and the Lakers be able to find a way to make something work ahead of next season? An answer one way or the other will emerge soon enough.
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A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
