Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Christian Wood (knee) has been cleared to resume on-court workouts. The veteran big man is working his way back from left knee surgery, which he had in early September. He appears to be making steady progress, but it remains unclear when Wood will be able to make his season debut. Wood's addition would give the Lakers much-needed frontcourt depth, especially with Jaxson Hayes (ankle) also out of commission. Hayes has missed nine games and will be re-evaluated next week.
Christian Wood Ruled Out For Eight Weeks Following Knee Surgery
Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Christian Wood (knee) will be unavailable for at least eight weeks after undergoing surgery on his left knee. Wood missed the last two months of last season with a left knee injury, and unfortunately, he won't be available for the start of the new campaign either. The 28-year-old big man averaged 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds in 17.4 minutes with the Lakers last term. Wood is capable of putting up good numbers occasionally, but he doesn't see many minutes in Los Angeles, limiting his fantasy appeal.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Christian Wood has exercised his $3 million player option for the 2024-2025 season, per Michael Scotto of USA Today. Wood played in 50 games and averaged 6.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 17.4 minutes per contest. The 28-year-old's role with the Lakers for next season is difficult to predict since he was sparingly used in the team's rotation this past year.
Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Christian Wood won't play on Thursday against the Warriors and will be out for approximately two weeks with an effusion in his left knee. Wood's absence will leave the Lakers without a big body off the bench. However, the team should be able to cope with the situation, with Jaxson Hayes soaking in most of Wood's minutes. With that said, unless your name is Anthony Davis, you have no business being on a fantasy team as a Lakers big.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Christian Wood (head) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Wood is a late addition to the injury report due to a migraine. This is not good news with the Lakers already shorthanded due to Rui Hachimura (calf) sitting out. If both players sit, Jarred Vanderbilt would likely see a significant role in the rotation. That means, Vanderbilt might actually have decent streaming appeal if Wood is out as well on Thursday.
Christian Wood Tagged As Questionable Against Knicks
Los Angeles Lakers forward Christian Wood (illness) has been marked as questionable for their game against the New York Knicks as he deals with an illness. Half of the NBA seems to be dealing with an illness right now, so Wood will have to wait and see how he feels like everyone else. His status will likely be a bit clearer by Monday afternoon after the team monitors how he's feeling. If he's unable to give it a go, Jaxson Hayes, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt will probably all split some of the extra minutes.
Rui Hachimura Seen As Starter Ahead Of Christian Wood
Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura looks set to be a starter for the team in 2023-24. After singing a two-year deal with the club this week, Christian Wood noted that Lakers head coach Darvin Ham has told him he sees him playing a "big" role, but team sources have told The Athletic's Jovan Buha that the Lakers prefer to see Hachimura over Wood in the starting unit. Combined with the playoffs, Hachimura started just 10 of 49 games for the Lakers last season, but he was very effective coming off the bench, and his production should get another boost when he links up with the starters.
According to reports from The Athletic and the Dallas Morning News, forward/center Christian Wood is unlikely to return to the Mavericks. There have been rumblings that the Mavericks coaching staff never wanted him on the team. However, the 27-year-old has lashed back at the reports, stating he will soon "tell the real story." He had a down year in 2022-23, averaging 16.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 67 games. Wood is now heading toward free agency, with many teams likely to express interest. That said, his durability has been an issue over the years. Yet, he has double-double upside whenever he steps on the floor. Wood's precision from deep is also a bonus for category managers.
Dallas Mavericks forward/center Christian Wood (foot) will play Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs. Wood sat out last game due to foot soreness, but is expected to resume his normal workload on Wednesday with no restrictions. Wood has been playing a minimal role off the bench lately, playing no more than 26 minutes in a game over the past month. Wood's return should take away some opportunity from Dwight Powell and Maxi Kleber.
Dallas Mavericks center Christian Wood (foot) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. This is bad timing with Kyrie Irving (foot) and Luka Doncic (thigh) already ruled out. The Mavericks are going to be extremely shorthanded which will mean significant minutes for their role players. Dwight Powell and JaVale McGee should see increased playing time with Wood on the sideline. Both are possible streaming options with the Mavericks needing a lot of help right now.
Christian Wood
• PF
•
Lakers
