The Los Angeles Lakers’ roster for the 2023-24 season is almost set. However, they do have two roster spots open, and they reportedly want to sign one more legitimate big man to fill one of those spots.
They have narrowed down their candidates for the spot to Bismack Biyombo and Christian Wood. While Wood can block shots, he is very limited otherwise on both ends of the floor, and he is undersized at 6-foot-8.
While Wood is also a bit short for the center position at 6-foot-9 and doesn’t play much defense, he appears to be better at scoring buckets than Biyombo is at defending.
There are other teams rumored to be interested in Wood, which means the Lakers may have to somehow sweeten their offer if they really want him. Reportedly, an option they would have is a sign-and-trade with the Dallas Mavericks, but it isn’t clear if L.A. desires him enough to go that route.
News on the Christian Wood front, via Marc Stein: the Mavs are open to participating in a sign-and-trade.
My sense is that the Lakers would NOT value Wood enough to go above the minimum or trade someone. However, the Lakers could go above the min by offering Jarred Vanderbilt. pic.twitter.com/xxWYe5g6mt
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) July 16, 2023
Wood averaged 16.6 points and 7.3 rebounds a game while shooting 51.5 percent overall and 37.6 percent from 3-point range last season for the Mavs.
