Christian Wood signs two-year deal with Lakers

Photo via Emil T. Lippe/AP

Christian Wood finally made his free agency decision and signed with the Lakers on a two-year deal. Wood has a player option for the second season.

Wood has been between the Heat and Lakers for months but has chosen to head to LA. The 27-year-old big man is a talented offensive player. Last season, he averaged 17/7/2 for the Mavericks, shooting 51.5% from the floor and 37.6% from three.

Many would expect a player of this offensive caliber to go for much more than a minimum contract. However, Wood struggles on the defensive end of the floor and has yet to find a team he fits well on.

23-24: $2,709,849

24-25: $3,036,040 (P)

Wood can reestablish himself with a strong Laker team and enter free agency once again next offseason.

Depth of bigs include: Anthony Davis, Jaxson Hayes, Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura and now Wood https://t.co/yKp9Fewcfh

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) September 6, 2023

His talent on offense is not in question, and this is a great deal for the Lakers. Getting a player of his caliber for a minimum contract is a low-risk, high-reward move.

For Wood, he signs with a team that is ready to win after making it to the Western Conference Finals last season.

They also have a track record of helping players increase their value in cheap short-term deals before getting paid elsewhere. Malik Monk is one of these beneficiaries, as he had a good season with the LakeShow on a cheap deal before getting paid by the Sacramento Kings.

Lakers rotation with Christian Wood signing
PG: D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino
SG: Austin Reaves, Max Christie
SF: LeBron James, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, Maxwell Lewis
PF: Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt
C: Anthony Davis, Christian Wood, Jaxson Hayes

— Ben Cooper (@BenCooperNBA) September 6, 2023

Wood should be able to fit with LA. His offense at the center position with his shooting ability compliments star Anthony Davis, who excels as a defensive anchor and low post scorer. The team has also already signed Jaxson Hayes, a more traditional backup center.

The Lakers have a good defense led by a defensive coach in Darvin Ham. Adding an offensive center like Wood gives LA a new element to their roster. Ham has a championship-caliber on his hands, and it will be interesting to see how he handles his rotation.

Wood commented on the signing, saying "It's always been my dream to be a Laker."

LakeShow fans should be excited as general manager Rob Pelinka continues to have a phenomenal offseason.