Mavs Ex Christian Wood ‘Top Choice’ on Lakers' Free Agency Radar

The Lakers remain interested in signing Christian Wood, who averaged 16.6 points and 7.3 rebounds in 67 games for the Mavs last season.

Much of the NBA transaction market is in a holding pattern until there is a trade resolution for superstar guards Damian Lillard and James Harden. Among the biggest names remaining in Free Agency is Christian Wood. 

Wood had a productive season with the Dallas Mavericks, including averages of 16.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 67 games. However, in the weeks leading up to the 2023 NBA Draft, it was reported by Marc Stein that the Mavs had "moved on" and sought to "remake their center rotation" after ranking 25th in defensive rating and 30th in total rebounding percentage. 

Where could Wood end up? According to Dan Woike of LA Times, pursuing Wood in free agency remains the Los Angeles Lakers' "top choice" based on the available options in the market. The team envisions Wood being a fit for its roster despite the limitations he may present.

"Wood, from what I can tell, still seems like the top choice despite the defensive shortcomings and personality issues detailed here," Woike wrote. 

The Lakers reportedly view their potential situation for Wood as being the best available option, if he's willing to sign for the league minimum. Los Angeles has been a location for players to earn bigger deals after playing a year on a prove-it deal, including Malik Monk and Dennis Schroder.  

"If Wood is waiting for a heftier paycheck than the league minimum that the Lakers can offer, so be it," Woike wrote. "But if his market is the minimum, and here in early August it sure seems like it is, the Lakers believe they offer the best situation for the talented big man."

In theory, Wood has fared better as a switch defender than he has as a drop coverage big man. Playing alongside Anthony Davis would enable him to play more into what he's more capable of doing, while also presenting the Lakers with a perimeter shooter and general scoring threat. Wood could also benefit from playing alongside the defensive versatility of Jarred Vanderbilt in plug-and-play lineups, while also having the floor spacing potential to help mitigate some of his limitations.

In general, the Lakers could use more shooting and general scoring capability to take pressure off of Davis and LeBron James. Additionally, Los Angeles would be wise to have a capable offensive threat in the frontcourt for the event that Davis gets injured during the course of an 82-game season.

There are a few obstacles that veteran players face when remaining unsigned late in the summer. For starters, it's rare for a contending team to have the necessary spending power available to present a substantial contract offer. A lot of teams are limited to the veteran minimum at this stage. Additionally, avoiding or minimizing luxury tax penalties is another factor to consider a front office.

Another challenge a veteran player may encounter is that while on the surface, a sign-and-trade could help facilitate a larger contract, the agreement for a contract has to be for three or more seasons. There are additional obstacles that high spending teams face with sign-and-trade legality in the new NBA CBA as well. 

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Grant Afseth is a Dallas Mavericks reporter for DallasBasketball.com and an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth).

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