The Lakers’ most recent signing was big man Christian Wood and despite many thinking he will play a minimum bench role, NBA insider Jovan Buha says otherwise.
“Despite signing a veteran’s minimum contract, Wood is expected to have a considerable role for the Lakers off the bench, flanking Anthony Davis in two-big lineups and helping hold down the paint when Davis rests,” Buha said. “The Lakers’ crowded rotation is even more cramped now.”
Of course, Woods will slide immediately into the backup center behind role Anthony Davis.
But as reported last week, Davis wants to play more of a role at power forward this season which will hopefully not be as much of a physical burden on the big man – ie he won’t get injured as much.
So if all goes well and Wood exceeds expectations, he could very well make the center spot his own.
The insider went on to explain how Davis and Woods will work in tandem.
“The two centers will likely play most, if not all, of the 48 available minutes at the five, with a smaller player (James, Hachimura) or [Jaxson] Hayes occasionally playing in certain matchups and blowouts,” Buha wrote. “(He’ll also get minutes when Davis inevitably misses time due to injury).”
One of the biggest challenges the Lakers will face is figuring out the best ways to use Wood and possibly Jaxson Hayes defensively, Buha says.
Last month, Lakers head coach Darvin Ham admitted last year’s roster was a little shallow and believes his team now has the pieces to compete strongly for a championship.
“Then, you think about the guys we added in Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, Jaxson Hayes. I think the sky is the limit for what we will be able to do,” Ham told ESPN.
“I think we added a lot of depth, a lot of guys that have skill, size and athleticism, so I look forward to all of that coming together.”
Wood is one of the most versatile scoring big men in the league right now, so only time will tell if LA will be a good fit for him.