Christian Wood, who was traded to the Mavericks last offseason and was expected to start alongside Luka Doncic, had his minutes significantly reduced this past season. Therefore, he has opted to take advantage of his free agency status and sign with the Los Angeles Lakers.

A two-year deal has reportedly been reached between the Lakers and Wood, making the seven-year veteran a key cog in the frontcourt alongside All-Star Anthony Davis.

Wood, at 27 years old, has played for a wide variety of clubs over the years, but his two years as a starter for the Houston Rockets in 2020 and 2021 are where he truly established himself as an NBA star. There, he posted averages of 19.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 50.7% field goal shooting, and 38.4% three-point shooting.

In addition to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers now have Wood, a stretch big who can play out on the perimeter and be a shot-blocking presence around the rim defensively, as a major secondary contributor for the upcoming 2023–24 season.

Given his recent on-court success, it came as something of a surprise to find Wood still a free agent after NBA Summer League. Since the beginning of the 2020-21 season, he has put up impressive numbers: 18.1 points per game, 8.9 boards per game, 50.9% field goal percentage, and over 38% three-point percentage.

Wood is the type of modern big man who can aid a playoff team now because of his ability to set screens and then pop out to the wing and make three-pointers. That’s why the Lakers pursued him all summer long. Wood chose to move to Los Angeles after failing to secure a larger deal and failing to garner any other significant interest.

The Lakers have been looking to add depth to their frontcourt, and Wood should help them right away. The question is whether or if he will start for the Mavs in 2022-23, as he showed promise as a reserve player.

The Lakers’ recent championship victory in 2020 may be attributed in large part to their decision to run with two big me𝚗 in their starting lineup, so it is possible that Wood will feature in lineups alongside Davis.

The Lakers reached the Western Conference Finals last season and will be seeking to repeat that feat this year. Considering that LeBron has had one of the greatest careers in NBA history, the Lakers are making the most of their current success while they still can.

Wood will try to make an immediate contribution to a team that has already strengthened its roster by adding players like Gabe Vincent, Jason Hayes, Taurean Prince, and Cam Reddish.