In a move that has the Los Angeles Lakers fanbase buzzing. Free agent forward/center Christian Wood has inked a new contract with the team. This deal also includes a player option for the 2024-25 season.
Thereby providing Wood with both financial stability and flexibility in the years to come. He had an impressive 2022-23 season with the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 16.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Notably, Wood showcased his skill set in a memorable Christmas Day victory over the Lakers.
His addition, along with the recent signing of 7-footer Jaxson Hayes, signals a shift in the team’s frontcourt dynamics. With Wood and Hayes in the mix, Anthony Davis will likely see reduced pressure next season. A change that could benefit the Lakers in various ways.
Free agent F/C Christian Wood has agreed on a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN. Deal includes a player option.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 6, 2023
Wood possesses the ability to stretch the floor, making him a valuable asset in the frontcourt. Over the past two seasons, he was among only four players 6-foot-10 or taller who managed to make 100 three-pointers. Wood was alongside Nikola Vucevic, Lauri Markkanen, and Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Lakers struggled with their three-point shooting last season, ranking 25th in the league with a mere 34%. Wood’s ability to shoot from beyond the arc, averaging 38% on three-pointers over the past four seasons is expected to provide a significant boost to the Lakers’ perimeter shooting.
Christian Wood will earn $5.7 Million with the Lakers
He will be earning $5.7 million with the 17x NBA champs. It isn’t a huge number considering the Lakers’ pay grade and the salaries they have offered to other players. However, it isn’t all that surprising since he hasn’t completely made his mark on a team just yet.
Christian Wood’s journey through the NBA has seen him don jerseys for several teams. Starting as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia 76ers, he subsequently played for the Charlotte Hornets, Milwaukee Bucks, New Orleans Pelicans, and Detroit Pistons.
Then he spent two seasons with the Houston Rockets, followed by a season with the Mavericks. Now, he’s set to make an impact with the Lakers. Wood took to his Twitter to express his feelings, and wrote, “It’s always been my dream to be a laker.” Thereby, leaving fans happy for him as he fulfills his dream, and excited for the show on the court.
It’s always been my dream to be a laker 💜💛
— 35 (@Chriswood_5) September 6, 2023
The Lakers, under the guidance of Rob Pelinka, have been proactive in reshaping their roster during free agency. They succeeded in retaining key players like Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura.
While making strategic additions to their bench with Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, Jaxson Hayes, and Cam Reddish. With 13 players on their roster, the Lakers have almost completed their offseason work, maintaining flexibility for the upcoming 2023-24 season.
With the addition of Christian Wood, the Los Angeles Lakers have significantly bolstered their roster, addressing their need for a versatile big man. As the Lakers gear up for the 2023-24 season, the prospect of having Wood alongside star players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis has fans eagerly waiting for an exciting season ahead.
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