One of the biggest problems the Los Angeles Lakers have faced in the 2024-25 NBA season is the inconsistency of the big man rotation behind Anthony Davis. For those hoping that Christian Wood could end up salvaging the situation eventually, there is bad news to report.
The Lakers big man had needed an arthroscopic surgical procedure on his left knee during this past offseason, delaying his debut to the point that he has yet to play any minutes during this year's regular season campaign. The mystery on when Wood returns to the lineup for the Lakers, if at all, appears slated to continue for the foreseeable future.
There is still no timetable for Wood's return
There is an expression out there that claims 'no news is good news.' That is certainly not the case here.
Lakers reporter Jovan Buha of The Athletic chimed in on the situation with Wood. There was no comfort to be found in the words he had to share.
""Christian Wood, there's been no updates...no clue when or if he's coming back.""Jovan Buha
Unfortunately for the Lakers and their fans, it does not sound like they can count on Wood returning to the team this season and helping boost their frontcourt rotation. In all fairness, anyone expecting the eight-year veteran to be the savior in that department would have likely been disappointed either way.
Wood only averaged 6.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks during 17.4 minutes per game in the 2023-24 season. However, considering his competition for serious minutes off the bench is Jaxson Hayes and Christian Koloko, it is understandable why many would have hoped to see him return this season.
Ultimately, the Lakers will likely need to go external if they want a notable upgrade in the frontcourt. There should be plenty of big man available before the NBA Trade Deadline on Feb. 6. Considering the recent reports about the concerns had by Davis and LeBron James, bolstering the backup big man position would be an excellent opportunity to show the championship-winning duo that there is still faith in the pair leading this Lakers team to the promised land once more.