As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for their first training camp under head coach JJ Redick, they’ll have to do it without a potential key player.
After undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery on Monday, Lakers big man Christian Wood will be reevaluated in eight weeks, per an official team announcement. With L.A’s season opener against set for Oct. 22, Wood won’t be ready for their matchup against last season’s Conference Finals-bound Minnesota Timberwolves either.
The Lakers’ lack of depth at center places a bit more pressure on Anthony Davis. Due to Davis’s injury history, it may be prudent to reduce his minutes as he approaches 32 years old. The nine-time All-Star will always have been one of L.A’s offensive focal points, especially while LeBron James tries to dodge Father Time himself. Nonetheless, Wood is their only other big capable of scoring inside and around the arc.
His absence is further accentuated by Jarred Vanderbilt’s injury status. The former second-round pick is still rehabbing a foot injury he sustained prior to the 2024 NBA Playoffs. Though not as skilled as Davis or Wood, he’s able to stretch the floor out to the three as well. He would be particularly beneficial at the other end, even without regard to Davis getting rest. With a physical profile that lends itself to multi-positional defense, he’s been a useful weapon for the Lakers on multiple occasions.
Unfortunately for L.A., they already have 15 players signed to standard contracts. Furthermore, all three of their two-way slots are filled. However, this could be an opportunity for former three-time All-SEC selection Colin Castleton to make some noise.
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