Lakers News: LA Passed on High Upside Two-Way Player to Sign Christian Wood

Did LA make the right choice?

The Los Angeles Lakers made one of the more surprising splashes of free agency earlier this week when they signed forward Christian Wood to a contract lasting a total of two years and up to $5.7 million. 

Wood is set to make $2.7 million this year and he has a player option for the 2024-2025 season. He would make $3 million if he chooses to exercise it.

And with most free agent signings, the decision to ink Wood to a deal didn't come in a vacuum. 

The Lakers had other options on the board, one of those being a great defender with a developing shot in Bismack Biyombo. 

"Signing Wood means the Lakers passed on Bismack Biyombo — a much better defender, locker-room presence and hard-nosed, enforcer-type — and the possibility of adding two-way center Colin Castleton to the roster."

via

Jovan Buha of The Athletic

Biyombo turned himself into one of the NBA's more underrated defensive big men over his 12-year career, and he would have been a solid addition to the Lakers. 

That said, Wood brings better offense to the table. 

He has the ability to stretch the floor -- he shot the three at a 38 percent clip last season -- and definitely would provide good depth if Anthony Davis were to miss time with an injury. 

Or the team could go another route and have Wood begin the season as the starting power forward and shift Davis to the center spot, a role the superstar has played at times in LA. 

One concern with Wood though is that he's built a reputation of being a problem in a locker room, mainly toward the end of his abbreviated, two year tenure with the Houston Rockets. 

But given that he'll be joining a team with great mentors in LeBron James and Davis, it's hard to see that becoming an issue in LA. 

Oh. And there's also this. 

It’s always been my dream to be a laker 💜💛

— 35 (@Chriswood_5) September 6, 2023