Lakers face big hurdle to signing Christian Wood

Christian Wood is unarguably 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 might be, 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 front-runner for Wood’s services. Since then, however, it has been radio silence.

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. 

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 players have suited up for the purple and gold on smaller deals before getting paid in earnest. 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 said, nobody would blame Wood for not wanting to risk it if he has a better option available. Cautionary tales such as 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.

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.