The Lakers’ supporting cast around LeBron James And Anthony Davis was hampered by injuries last year. Among those who spent part of the season on the sidelines was backup center Christian WoodNow entering his ninth season in the league, the 28-year-old big man sent a message to Laker fans – and seemingly the rest of the NBA – over the weekend.
Lakers great sends bold message to fans
Message from Christian Wood
Saturday, August 24, Wood released the following statement: to his Instagram story:
“I’m back, y’all…and I’ll be back next season with a vengeance.”
The announcement comes just months after Wood played 50 games before injuring his knee. eventually required surgeryDespite a notable drop in production, Wood played his role well, averaging 6.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, one assist and 0.7 blocks per game. He also shot 46.6 percent from the field, 30.7 percent from three-point range and 70.2 percent from the free throw line.
Wood’s notable games include a 17-point, eight-rebound performance against the Spurs on December 15, 2023, and a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double against the Clippers on November 1, 2023. However, Wood’s final game of the season was forgettable, to say the least: two points, four rebounds, and one assist in 16 minutes against the Jazz on Valentine’s Day. Overall, Wood’s campaign is a far cry from his lone season with the Dallas Mavericks (2022–23), where he averaged 16 points, seven rebounds, and finished in the top ten in the Sixth Man of the Year vote.
Wood’s importance to the Lakers
Despite the unfortunate end to the season, Wood remains a key part of the Lakers’ bench as they approach a new era under head coach JJ Redick.
Wood’s latest claim comes just months after a similar statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) in May:
I loved my first year playing for my hometown team. I wish I hadn’t been injured for most of the season, but overall it was a dream come true for me. I’ll be better and 100% healthy next season.
— 35 (@Chriswood_5) May 3, 2024
Wood proceeded to accept his player option Just two days after posting those comments, his recent post appears to reaffirm his commitment to the franchise, where he could play a pivotal role in next year’s rotation.
The Rescue Center Dilemma
With the Lakers unable to add backup center personnel in free agency — one of their top priorities this offseason — the onus will fall on Wood and Jaxson Hayes to once again fill the void behind AD. Wood has remained a productive presence inside the arc when healthy, using his size to deter shots and his 214-pound frame to score at will. He had several advantages over his counterpart, Hayes, including experience, versatility and floor spacing. Where Hayes beats him, however, is in games played (70 to 50) and size (7’0″ to 6’8″). Trevor Lane, Lakers Nation player analyzed the differences between Wood and Hayes, ultimately preferring the former to be Davis’ replacement this year:
“Last season, Christian Wood – which is why I think I have to lean towards him – the Lakers were +23.7 points per 100 possessions, 23.7with Christian Wood, LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the floor. I think that’s an exception. We’re talking about a little over 200 possessions, so it’s a small sample size, but man. There was a stretch of the season… where Christian Wood, LeBron James and Anthony Davis were, both statistically and by eye test, the best team the Lakers could put on the floor. There was a certain synergy between those three players. It worked just by having all three of them on the floor, with the extra size on the floor.
Lane then pointed out that while Hayes isn’t someone like the Heat’s center, Bam Adebayowho played alongside Davis on the U.S. team in a successful pairing, “There was something about it [with a Wood-Davis combo],” he said. As for how the two players fared alongside James and without Davis, Wood also won that battle, posting a +12.1 alongside LeBron to Hayes’ +3.8, according to Lane.
For someone like Redick, who has embraced analytics as an integral part of his coaching philosophy, the numbers don’t lie and the choice seems clear.
“At the end of the day, Christian Wood plus LeBron is a winning combination, more than Jaxson Hayes plus LeBron,” Lane said. “Christian Wood, plus LeBron, plus AD is a winning combination, more than Jaxson Hayes, plus LeBron, plus AD.”
The last word
Wood’s remarks should excite Lakers fans despite the team’s lackluster summer. His record last year, combined with his “revenge” mentality, make him an ideal candidate to replace Anthony Davis with Hayes, even though both will play crucial roles behind the All-Star center next season.
