Rui Hachimura Seen As Starter Ahead Of Christian Wood
Rui Hachimura looks set to be a starter for the team in 2023-24. After singing a two-year deal with the club this week, Christian Wood noted that Lakers head coach Darvin Ham has told him he sees him playing a "big" role, but team sources have told The Athletic's Jovan Buha that the Lakers prefer to see Hachimura over Wood in the starting unit. Combined with the playoffs, Hachimura started just 10 of 49 games for the Lakers last season, but he was very effective coming off the bench, and his production should get another boost when he links up with the starters.
Source: Jovan Buha
Los Angeles Lakers forward Source: Jovan Buha
Christian Wood Ruled Out For Eight Weeks Following Knee Surgery
Christian Wood (knee) will be unavailable for at least eight weeks after undergoing surgery on his left knee. Wood missed the last two months of last season with a left knee injury, and unfortunately, he won't be available for the start of the new campaign either. The 28-year-old big man averaged 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds in 17.4 minutes with the Lakers last term. Wood is capable of putting up good numbers occasionally, but he doesn't see many minutes in Los Angeles, limiting his fantasy appeal.
Source: ESPN
Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Source: ESPN
Christian Wood Exercises Player Option
Christian Wood has exercised his $3 million player option for the 2024-2025 season, per Michael Scotto of USA Today. Wood played in 50 games and averaged 6.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 17.4 minutes per contest. The 28-year-old's role with the Lakers for next season is difficult to predict since he was sparingly used in the team's rotation this past year.
Source: Michael Scotto
Los Angeles Lakers forward Source: Michael Scotto
Christian Wood Sidelined For Two Weeks
Christian Wood won't play on Thursday against the Warriors and will be out for approximately two weeks with an effusion in his left knee. Wood's absence will leave the Lakers without a big body off the bench. However, the team should be able to cope with the situation, with Jaxson Hayes soaking in most of Wood's minutes. With that said, unless your name is Anthony Davis, you have no business being on a fantasy team as a Lakers big.
Source: NBA.com
Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Source: NBA.com
Christian Wood Questionable On Thursday
Christian Wood (head) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Wood is a late addition to the injury report due to a migraine. This is not good news with the Lakers already shorthanded due to Rui Hachimura (calf) sitting out. If both players sit, Jarred Vanderbilt would likely see a significant role in the rotation. That means, Vanderbilt might actually have decent streaming appeal if Wood is out as well on Thursday.
Source: Mike Trudell
Los Angeles Lakers forward Source: Mike Trudell
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