Lake Show Life
Fansided

Big-name free agents the Lakers resist the urge to sign

By Jason Reed

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 26: Christian Wood #35 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles up the floor during the first half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on November 26, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 26: Christian Wood #35 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles up the floor during the first half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on November 26, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next

The Los Angeles Lakers have done a wonderful job of team building thus far this summer. Rob Pelinka and the front office brought back the core that took the team to the Western Conference Finals and even improved on it, putting together one of the best showings in free agency in the league.

While things have certainly slowed down, there are still more roster moves that the Lakers need to make. There are currently 13 players on the roster and at the very least the team is going to add a 14th player for the regular season.

The options are limited at this point in the summer so the Lakers may simply look to cast a reel for a big fish. However, just because someone is a bigger name and has notoriety in the league does not mean they would be a good fit.

3 big-name free agents the Lakers must avoid signing:

Christian Wood

Christian Wood has been heavily tied to the Los Angeles Lakers with Pelinka admitting that the team was active in the center market and wanted someone who could space the floor. Wood can do both of those things and is the best option talent-wise (at least offensively) on the market.

There are multiple problems with Wood and quite frankly, he is not worth the headache for a contending team like the Lakers. His defense is about as bad as it can get in the NBA and that is going to make him virtually unplayable in the playoffs when the going gets tough.

Wood also hasn’t been a model teammate in his career with one significant Laker reportedly pushing back on the team signing him. Sure, his offensive numbers are better than other options available but he would not even play that large of a role in LA. For what the Lakers need in this signing, Wood simply is not worth it.

Home/Lakers Free Agency