USA TODAY Sports

Christian Wood's cryptic tweet before the Lakers game on Tuesday night against the Atlanta Hawks led to questioning after the game.

The Lakers opted to start third-string center Jaxson Hayes over Wood and the starting lineup was announced 10 minutes after Wood posted on social media.

“I meant to quote (tweet) something,” Wood said. “I thought I did and I just pressed send, and I couldn’t check my phone before because we have to go out (to the court), but it was an accident. … I looked at it just now. … It came off a certain type of way. I didn’t mean it that way.

"Not basketball related. Definitely not basketball related.”

Per Christian Wood via The Athletic

Wood scored nine points and had eight rebounds in 22 minutes of play off the bench against the Hawks. 

He signed a two-year contract with Los Angeles in the offseason for the veteran's minimum after averaging 16.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game over the past four seasons. He is currently averaging just over seven points per game.

Los Angeles finished the month of January 7-8 and has fallen under .500 on the season at 24-25.

The Lakers are currently on a six-game road trip and are 1-2 with games remaining at the Boston Celtics, the New York Knicks, and the Charlotte Hornets.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Scottie Scheffler shoots improbable 66 after warming up for PGA Championship in a jail cell
Nuggets star has worrying comment about latest injury
Broncos 'very unlikely' to bring back former NFL interceptions leader
Greg Olsen offers broadcasting advice to Tom Brady
Yankees' Juan Soto reacts to Hal Steinbrenner contract talk
Mets star has theory about closer Edwin Diaz's recent struggles
Scottie Scheffler arrested, still makes PGA Championship tee time
Timberwolves chew up Nuggets to force Game 7
Rangers secure spot in conference finals after stunning third-period comeback over Hurricanes
Xander Schauffele makes history in first round of PGA Championship
Yankees' Hal Steinbrenner shares massive Juan Soto contract update
Steelers' Cameron Heyward addresses contract holdout
Knicks star ruled out for potential closeout game
Dodgers starter undergoes season-ending UCL surgery
Clemson’s Dabo Swinney gives smug response about not using transfer portal
Caitlin Clark's debut was most-watched WNBA game in more than 20 years
Watch: Chris Kreider's natural third-period hat trick shatters Hurricanes' comeback hopes
Veteran NFL safety will either play for this team or retire in 2024
Former Red Wings head coach linked to open NHL job
How Patriots' Drake Maye has already impressed Jacoby Brissett

Want more Lakers news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.