By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Los Angeles Lakers aren’t done with their off-season moves.
two months after adding more pieces to bolster their bid for another NBA championship title, the storied franchise recently tapped another versatile big man who can stretch the floor and score buckets in spurts.
Welcome to the Lakers, Christian Wood.
A solid big man who became a valuable offensive asset for the Dallas Mavericks, the lengthy scorer reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with the Lakers announced by veteran sports insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN last September 9, 2023.
“Free agent F/C Christian Wood has agreed to a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN. Deal includes a player option,” Wojnarowski posted on his social media account.
Wood became one of the most consistent scorers for the Mavericks and played alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving during the last NBA season.
The six-foot-ten post-up player is coming off a majestic season with Dallas and averaged 16.6 points and 7.3 rebounds built from a 51.5% shooting from the field.
Wood showcased his evolving offensive game once again and is eager to do the same thing with the purple and gold.
With the presence of veteran NBA champion Anthony Davis and backup energy guy Rui Hachimura, the Lakers will have the frontcourt depth that they need alongside Wood.
Aside from Wood, the Lakers also added several key cogs to their roster when the NBA free agency began two months ago.
Los Angeles already signed Taurean Prince to a $4.5 million-dollar contract and also rewarded former Miami Heat guard Gabe Vincent with a three-year $33-million-dollar signing sheet.
Rui Hachimura, a part of their post-All-Star break acquisition from the Washington Wizards, just signed a three-year $51-million-dollar deal.
The Japanese power forward brought instant impact to the Lakers and already proved that he can score the leather and spread the floor with his stellar outside shooting.
Meanwhile, Austin Reaves also agreed to stay in Los Angeles on a four-year $56-million-dollar contract while star point guard D’ Angelo Russell on a two-year $37-million-dollar contract.
