After making a somewhat surprising run to the Western Conference Finals this past season, the Los Angeles Lakers have done a good job of reloading for what they hope is another deep run during the 2023-24 NBA season. There has been a good mix of re-signings and players brought in from other teams to help bolster the lineup.
Rui Hachimura, Austin Reeves and D’Angelo Russell all signed deals to stay in Los Angeles. Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish, Taurean Price and Jaxson Hayes left the Miami Heat, Portland Trail Blazers, Minnesota Timberwolves and New Orleans Pelicans, respectively, to join the Lakers.
The Lakers now have a diverse, deep, talented group of players to build out lineups around their pillars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. With one more roster spot left to fill, Rob Pelinka gave a hint at what the team was looking for.
“We don’t want to sign someone who replicates the skills that Jaxson Hayes has,” Pelinka said at the NBA’s Summer League this month. “So if we can diversify the big position and have different looks, that would be good.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Christian Wood, Chicago Bulls & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
As Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times shared, the player that Pelinka is likely hinting at is Christian Wood. Despite whatever shortcomings he may have that have led to his free agent market being ice cold, Wood would be the perfect fit for the Lakers.
He brings a different dynamic than Hayes does, as Wood is an offensive-minded player. In theory, he would be a perfect fit alongside Anthony Davis, who is a premier defender. In the last three seasons, per Woike, Wood has averaged 18.1 points per game while making more than half of his shot attempts overall and 38.1 percent from 3-point range.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Christian Wood, Chicago Bulls & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Snagging Wood on a veteran’s minimum deal would be great value for the Lakers, but there is one snag. According to Woike, Wood’s market could now include the Chicago Bulls.
“According to sources familiar with the team’s free-agent pursuits but not authorized to speak publicly, the Chicago Bulls are suddenly viewed as a potential threat that could keep the Lakers from landing Wood.”
The Bulls now have $10.2 million that they can spend from the player exception they were given because point guard Lonzo Ball is expected to miss next season as he continues dealing with a knee injury. Some or all of that money could be used to bring on Wood, who would earn a lot more in the Windy City than what the Lakers can offer him.
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