Kofi Inkoom
Free agent center Christian Wood has agreed to a two-year contract with the Lakers worth $5.7 million, and the deal includes a player option for the 2024-25 season.
This report comes from ESPN’s Woj, who shared the news on Wednesday morning (GMT).
Wood, who was a potential target for the Miami Heat, now has an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a Western Conference team.
This move allows him to showcase his skills and increase his value, setting him up for another stint in free agency in 2024. For the Lakers, they gain a talented big man who adds versatility and depth to their frontcourt.
With Wood’s arrival and the signing of 7-foot center Jaxson Hayes in free agency, it’s probable that Anthony Davis will have reduced playing time at the center position in the upcoming season.
In the 2022-23 season, Christian Wood posted averages of 16.6 points and 7.3 rebounds while playing for the Dallas Mavericks.
Notably, he had an outstanding performance on Christmas Day against the Lakers, scoring 30 points, grabbing 8 rebounds, and making 4 steals in a victory.
Wood, who is 27 years old, provides the Lakers with a frontcourt player who can stretch the floor.
Christian Wood’s move to Los Angeles comes after he spent one season with the Dallas Mavericks and the two seasons before that with the Houston Rockets.
Lakers Offseason Moves So Far
The Los Angeles Lakers have been active in the recent offseason, making several significant signings, including Austin Reaves for a four-year, $56 million deal, Rui Hachimura for three years at $51 million, Gabe Vincent for three years at $33 million, D’Angelo Russell for two years with a $37 million contract, and Taurean Prince for a one-year deal worth $4.5 million.
Additionally, they’ve secured Christian Wood, Jaxson Hayes, and Cam Reddish on two-year minimum contracts.
The Lakers’ current roster:
Point Guards:
– D’Angelo Russell
– Gabe Vincent
– Jalen Hood-Schifino
Shooting Guards:
– Austin Reaves
– Max Christie
Small Forwards:
– LeBron James
– Cam Reddish
– Taurean Prince
– Maxwell Lewis
Power Forwards:
– Rui Hachimura
– Jarred Vanderbilt
Centers:
– Anthony Davis
– Christian Wood
– Jaxson Hayes