Lakers News: 3-Player Battle Set For Starting Frontcourt Gig Alongside Anthony Davis

Depth is always a good problem to have.

By signing free agent big man Christian Wood earlier this week, your Los Angeles Lakers now face an intriguing question to answer for their 2023 roster.

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In the eyes of one analyst, Wood will now be entrenched in a battle for starting minutes alongside many other names that will have their say about where they belong in coach Darvin Ham's rotation. 

Wood is going to be in the mix to start, battling

Rui Hachimura

, whom the team invested in heavily this offseason, and

Jarred Vanderbilt

, who was the primary frontcourt starter last season. At a minimum, Wood will be the primary backup center behind

Anthony Davis

and play around 20 minutes per game. Wood’s biggest value to the Lakers is as Davis’ insurance. When Davis misses time — which at this point feels inevitable — Wood can step in and assume a greater offensive role, helping

LeBron James

,

Austin Reaves

and

D’Angelo Russell

shoulder the load.

via Jovan Buha, The Athletic

Though Davis' place in the starting lineup is secure for as long as he's healthy, Wood will certainly fill in when the Brow fails to suit up due to his durability that's long been accounted for in his career. 

Coming off of a successful offensive season for the Mavs, Wood will also compete with Jaxson Hayes from his stint in New Orleans as the backup or even the starting center role could be up for grabs should AD not want to play the 5 as he's preferred in the past. 

Ham will certainly have options in defensive specialist Jared Vanderbilt as well as playoff star Rui Hachimura for the 4 spot in his lineup, making for an intriguing Laker roster on paper before we've even tipped off the regular season in Denver. 

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