An NBA Insider has revealed that the Los Angeles Lakers have decided to sign Christian Wood. Dave McMenamin of ESPN has said that if Wood behaves well, he could be signed by the Lakers. But if he doesn’t behave well, the Lakers might let him go.
The source told ESPN:
“If he’s on his best behavior, it could be a good fit.”
“If he’s not, well, you cut him.”
Christian Wood has signed a 2-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. He played with the Dallas Mavericks in the last season.
The UNLV product has averaged around 16.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game in the last season for the Mavericks.
Moreover, he shot around 51.5% of his shots from the field, 37.6% of his shots from beyond the arc, and 77.2% of his shots from the free throw line.
Christian Wood Spills: ‘I’ve Always Wanted to Be a Laker’—Inside His Candid Chat with Marc J. Spears About Staying in LA
Marc J. Spears of the Andscape took an interview with Christian Wood, where he revealed that he wants to stay in the Lakers.
Wood said:
“I’ve always wanted to be a Laker.”
“I know we can win a championship. Communication with a coach is a big key. Coach (Darvin) Ham and I go back to our Milwaukee days and we’ve had great conversations every day about this opportunity. He believes in me and told me I’ll be playing a big role and knows what I can do. I’m looking forward to this and fasure motivated after what Dallas did.”
Mavericks Say No to Wood, but Lakers and Heat Eyeing Him for a Bench Boost—Is He the NBA’s Next Hidden Gem?
The Dallas Mavericks don’t want to bring him back on their roster. Wood has a career average of 14.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while playing for the Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, and Charlotte Hornets.
The Lakers picking up Christian Wood is a steal. They needed more size and rebounding. Wood is versatile offensively. He can PNR, be a lob threat, iso on the block, catch and shoot. The Lakers also have a strong team defense that can overcome some of his defensive shortcomings. pic.twitter.com/BlGNKGvKv3
— AHMAD K SMITH (@AKISNBA) September 6, 2023
The 27-year-old has often been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat when the free agency started. The Lakers might bring him off the bench in the upcoming NBA Season, as he has the potential to be an All-Star if he is engaged for 48 minutes.
