The Los Angeles Lakers received much praise for roster changes made this NBA offseason. One of their significant signings was that of Christian Wood. There has been positive feedback on his addition to the organization so much so that the Lakers coach Darvin Ham took a shot at Wood’s former team, the Dallas Mavericks.
“I don’t know what happened in Dallas, and that’s not my business,” Ham told Andscape. “I don’t know. People say s—. ‘He’s lazy. He doesn’t play any defense.’ I know the kid. I know what he’s going to do for me, and he’s done everything that I expected him to do up to this point since camp has been going on.
“And so, I don’t judge my relationship based off other people’s opinion of certain individuals. I deal with you directly, and I have my own relationship with him, and I know what he’s capable of and what he’ll do for me.”
Wood signed a one-year contract worth $5.7 million with the Lakers as a free agent. He was with a Mavs team that was thought to have success with him in the lineup last season. For the second consecutive season, he enters the season with a team coming off a Western Conference Finals appearance with motivation to help show he can lead a team to wins.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Christian Wood, Los Angeles Lakers & Dallas Mavericks Updates
The Mavericks acquired Wood in a trade using salary filler and the 26th overall pick ahead of the 2022 NBA Draft. Along with signing JaVale McGee using the team’s taxpayer mid-level expectation, the team thought they made the right changes to get over the hump after losing to the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals. Unfortunately, that did not work out, and the Mavericks went 38-44, missing the play-in tournament and being fined $750,000 for tanking the season’s final two games.
Wood expressed frustration with his lack of playing time and touches. With the Mavericks needing more of a defensive presence at the five without having a shot blocked or proficient wing defenders around, the fit became problematic.
However, with a familiar coach from their short, mutual time with the Milwaukee Bucks, perhaps Wood can fit in well with the Lakers. Ham has continued to have high praise for what Wood would bring to the team and going as far as to criticize the Mavericks could build further trust. It doesn’t hurt that he gets to play next to defensive standouts like Anthony Davis or Jarred Vanderbilt in some lineups, either.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Christian Wood, Los Angeles Lakers & Dallas Mavericks Updates
That will undoubtedly change Wood’s attitude; who knows that his coach is behind him all the way? The 28-year-old had his best season in Houston three years ago, averaging 21 points and 9.6 rebounds. Wood’s role will change with the Lakers, but his coach is optimistic about the impact he will have.
