The Los Angeles Lakers are exploring ways to bolster their frontcourt with limited financial means and one idea that seems to have been floated is a sign-and-trade for Dallas Mavericks forward Christian Wood.
NBA reporter Marc Stein wrote this week that the Lakers want to add Wood but cannot offer more than the veteran minimum for the 27-year-old. One potential scenario in which L.A. could acquire Wood is a sign-and-trade with the Dallas Mavericks. While Stein is skeptical that the Lakers would be interested in that, he mentioned Jarred Vanderbilt as a player they might part with.
Wood averaged 16.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game last season in a lower-minute role with the Mavericks. Two seasons prior to that, he posted an impressive 21.0 points per game for the Houston Rockets. You can understand why the Lakers are interested in adding him as a depth piece, especially if the price is right.
Wood’s defense is a weakness, but the Lakers need another big after losing Mo Bamba. While Wood does come with some baggage, he could potentially fill a need in L.A.
More must-reads: