The Los Angeles Lakers made a roster move on Tuesday, parting ways with big man Christian Wood, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes. Wood, who has been sidelined all season due to a knee injury, was officially waived by the team as they cleared a spot for veteran center Alex Len, who signed with the Lakers the same day.
Wood, a 29-year-old forward/center, had not played a single game during the 2024-25 NBA season while continuing his recovery from a surgical procedure on his left knee. He underwent surgery back in September and has remained on the injury list since then, unable to suit up for the Lakers or contribute on the court.
The decision to release Wood comes as Los Angeles looks to strengthen its frontcourt depth by bringing in Len, a seasoned center known for his size and defensive presence. Len, who has played for multiple teams throughout his NBA career, including the Sacramento Kings and Atlanta Hawks, offers the Lakers a more immediate option as they try to bolster their rotation and prepare for the playoff push.
As for Wood, his time with the Lakers was ultimately hampered by injuries. Although he showed potential in the past as a versatile big man capable of scoring inside and stretching the floor with his three-point shooting, injuries have limited his ability to perform. Before joining the Lakers, Wood had productive stints with several teams, including the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks, where he averaged double figures in scoring and contributed on the boards.
Unfortunately, Wood never got the chance to showcase his skills in a Lakers uniform this season. After signing with Los Angeles with hopes of being a key contributor off the bench or even competing for a starting role, his lingering knee issues prevented him from taking the floor. The Lakers, meanwhile, were forced to navigate most of the season without the depth and scoring potential Wood was expected to provide.
Despite being waived, Wood could still draw interest from other teams in the league looking to add depth to their frontcourt, particularly those in need of size or additional scoring off the bench. However, his current health status raises serious concerns. Teams interested in signing him would likely want to evaluate his recovery progress carefully before committing. Until Wood is fully healthy and able to participate in practices or workouts, signing him carries a significant risk.
At 29, Wood is at a crossroads in his career. He has previously proven he can be an effective player in the NBA, especially when healthy. His ability to play both the power forward and center positions, combined with his scoring versatility, makes him an intriguing option for teams needing frontcourt help. Yet, his injury history, particularly the ongoing knee issues, could make teams hesitant to offer a guaranteed deal.
For the Lakers, bringing in Alex Len signals their desire to add a more reliable veteran presence as they gear up for the final stretch of the regular season. Len’s size and experience could provide much-needed support behind Anthony Davis and other key frontcourt players. Los Angeles is likely hoping that Len’s defensive abilities and rebounding skills will be an asset, especially during critical moments down the stretch.
Ultimately, Christian Wood’s release is a reminder of the harsh realities of professional basketball, where injuries can quickly derail even the most promising seasons. While his future remains uncertain, Wood will now focus on rehabbing his knee and working toward a potential return to the NBA. Whether that opportunity comes this season or next will depend largely on his recovery and whether a team is willing to take a chance on his talent and upside.
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