The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most iconic and successful franchises in the NBA, and their moves in the transfer market always grab the attention of fans and the basketball world. The latest signing to spark heated debate is talented center Christian Wood. The question many are asking is whether the 27-year-old will fill a hole in the starting lineup or fill a backup role for the Purple and Gold.
According to “The Athletic” reporter Jovan Buha, the first expectation in Lakers coach Davin Ham’s plan is to replace Christian Wood’s role. Rui Hachimura is a high-potential young talent who has been a frontcourt starter alongside superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. This starting lineup looks solid and balanced, with Rui Hachimura bringing energy and versatility on both ends of the court.
That doesn’t mean Wood will be relegated to the bench in all games, though. He’s actually expected to be the primary backup center behind Anthony Davis. Wood’s versatility will allow him to play a vital role in the Lakers’ rotation, as he occasionally plays alongside Davis in lineups featuring two interior talents.
The fact that Christian Wood is considered the primary backup center forward shows his quality as a player. Wood has proven to be an efficient scorer both from the perimeter and as a threat inside, making him a valuable addition to any NBA team. His ability to score in the paint, shoot from the perimeter and rebound will give the Lakers strong center depth.
An important role with a lot of playing time
As for Wood’s projected minutes, he’s expected to be heavily involved, averaging around 20 minutes per game with all players at their best. Those minutes will allow him to contribute his talents in both phases of the game and keep the team alive through the regular season and playoffs.