After averaging 20.7 minutes a game in October and November, Los Angeles Lakers big man Christian Wood has seen his playing time become sporadic in the month of December.
For whatever reason, head coach Darvin Ham has elected to play Jaxson Hayes ahead of him or even go small whenever Anthony Davis has been resting.
But on Thursday against the Charlotte Hornets, Wood got onto the court for 23 minutes versus the Charlotte Hornets, partly due to starting forward Cam Reddish being unable to play. Wood’s numbers weren’t dazzling, but he shot 3-of-4 and converted all three of his 3-point attempts while also contributing five rebounds, four assists and one blocked shot.
He said he has been doing his part to remain sharp and in shape even though he has failed to get onto the court at all on occasion.
Via Lakers Nation:
“Just me doing conditioning, lifting, watching a lot of film,” Wood said when asked how he stayed ready. “Seeing areas where we could work on. We’ve been lacking a lot in 3-point shooting, so I think is a big thing for me to come in and make shots.”
If Wood starts playing well on a consistent basis and gets back into Ham’s regular rotation, it would be a big boon for the Lakers, as Hayes has been a disappointment, and going small puts them at a disadvantage defensively and on the boards.
