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Lakers must sign this former Lakers instead of Christian Wood

By Jason Reed

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 02: Christian Wood #35 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after being fouled on a three point basket shot during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on January 02, 2023 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 02: Christian Wood #35 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after being fouled on a three point basket shot during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on January 02, 2023 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers hit a home run during NBA free agency and have built a 13-man roster that fans are extremely excited about. Los Angeles was able to retain last season’s core while making savvy additions that will make the team even better.

The next step for Los Angeles is adding another big and all signs have been pointing toward Christian Wood. There has been immense speculation around LA signing Wood on the minimum, which seems like a great move but could blow up in the team’s face.

Granted, the center market isn’t bustling with talent and it isn’t crazy for a contending team like the Lakers to sign the most talented option available. That being said, Los Angeles would be far better offer reuniting with a former Laker instead of bringing in Wood (with the likely headaches that would ensue).

The Lakers must sign Markieff Morris instead of Christian Wood

https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1302779660720156672

Los Angeles is looking for a big with a different skill set than Jaxson Hayes and Morris checks that box. While he is not a traditional center, he can space the floor and certainly can handle his own as the backup five in smaller lineups.

Plus, his ability to space the floor makes him easier to pair with Hayes or Anthony Davis. He may end up getting left out of the playoff rotation but having this kind of depth to take some minutes off Davis’ plate would be beneficial for the Lakers.

Is Morris more talented than Wood right now? No. But he still offers what the team is looking for and does not bring with him the same concerns about locker room issues that Wood does. Plus, he has experience playing in Los Angeles and helped the team win a championship. That should be worth something.

His numbers last year may not be that impressive but fans just have to look back at the 2020 NBA Playoffs to remember that Morris is capable of. Morris shot 42% (29-69) from beyond the arc during that run. That is the fifth-highest three-point percentage for a single playoff run in franchise history (min. 60 attempts). That is huge.

And if it isn’t working out or a better option becomes available it will be easier to pivot off of Morris. Morris does not have a massive market and will likely be available on a non-fully guaranteed contract. There is no chance that Wood would accept that, especially knowing that locker room concerns could lead to him getting the ax during the season.

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