Insider Suggests Key Issue Could Keep Lakers From Signing Christian Wood

The Lakers might have difficulty landing the top big man available on the free agent market, per report.

While the Lakers decide the exact route they want to go with their final open roster spots, likely through free agency, one thing that’s now known is that they’re targeting a big man. As The Athletic’s Jovan Buha reported last week, general manager Rob Pelinka revealed Los Angeles is “looking to add an additional center.”

Going one step further, Buha reported the Lakers have an interest in two free-agent big men—Christian Wood and Bismack Biyombo. While either name would make for an intriguing fit, their potential impacts are different (Wood’s offensive abilities and Biyombo’s defensive skills). However, there appears to be a potential issue with signing Wood.

As longtime NBA reporter Marc Stein cited in his subscriber chat for The Stein Line, Wood is “by far” the most talented big man available, but the Lakers are “obviously restricted in what they can offer.” While the Lakers’ previously reported interest aligns here, it also points to the likely scenario in which the former Mavericks big man could be looking for compensation beyond what Los Angeles can offer.

When factoring in that Wood has averaged at least 13 points per game in each of the past five seasons, including four seasons at 16.6 or more points per game. So it’s not difficult to envision Wood getting a better offer than the veteran minimum. In 25.9 minutes per game with Dallas last season, Wood posted 16.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 51.5% from the field.

The Lakers’ pursuit of Wood should continue, specifically since the team is still in need of big men behind Anthony Davis who are capable of making an impact on the offensive end. In that respect, Wood could be an ideal addition for Pelinka and Co.