Christian Wood. Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Lakers sign veteran big man after much anticipation

By Jeff Smith | Last updated 9/5/23

For the most part, Los Angeles Lakers fans had been keeping their fingers crossed that the team would opt to make one final free-agent move prior to the 2023-24 NBA season. And the targeted favorite of fans was widely known to be former Dallas Mavericks big man Christian Wood. While there was much debate over Wood's free-agency value, it was tough to argue with his upside as a player when looking at the numbers.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Wood and the Lakers came to terms on a two-year deal on Tuesday night, which includes a player option.

Free agent F/C Christian Wood has agreed on a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN. Deal includes a player option.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 6, 2023

It's not a major surprise that this was how things played out, as Wood had loomed on the list of free agents for an extended period now. ESPN's Bobby Marks broke down the financial terms of the deal, which will pay Wood $2.7 million in 2023-24, and if he opts in for another season, just north of $3 million in 2024-25.

23-24: $2,709,849

24-25: $3,036,040 (P)

Wood can reestablish himself with a strong Laker team and enter free agency once again next offseason.

Depth of bigs include: Anthony Davis, Jaxson Hayes, Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura and now Wood https://t.co/yKp9Fewcfh
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) September 6, 2023

It's a good deal for the Lakers, who certainly could use another big man on the roster to join Anthony Davis, Jaxson Hayes, Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura. Over the span of his career, Wood has averaged 14.8 points and 7.3 rebounds while shooting 51.8 percent from the field. Over the past five seasons, dating back to 2018-19, he's averaged at least double figures in scoring and posted marks of 16.6 points or higher in four of those five years.

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