The Los Angeles Lakers’ summer-long courting of big man Christian Wood ended on Tuesday when they reportedly signed him to a two-year contract.
The deal is reportedly worth $5.7 million and includes a player option for the 2024-25 season.
Buy Lakers TicketsWood, who stands 6 feet, 9 inches and weighs 214 pounds, can certainly score. He has averaged 18.1 points a game while shooting 50.9% from the field over the last three seasons. During that time he shot 38.1% from 3-point range.
The Lakers could use more 3-point snipers, particularly in the frontcourt, to open space for Anthony Davis and LeBron James in the paint.
One thing some may ignore is the fact Wood is originally from the Southland. He was born in Long Beach and spent his first year of high school at Los Alamitos High School before moving to Palmdale and later to the Las Vegas area.
Thus, it isn’t surprising to see this social media post from him saying that he has always dreamed of playing for the Purple and Gold.
It’s always been my dream to be a laker 💜💛
— 35 (@Chriswood_5) September 6, 2023
There are certainly those who are skeptical Wood will fit, given his defensive deficiencies and attitude issues. But if he does work out, he will only strengthen the Lakers’ chances of winning the NBA championship this coming season.
