Change is already well on its way for the Los Angeles Lakers. The firing of former Head Coach Darvin Ham as well as his entire staff ensured this team will have a different internal philosophy by the time next season tips off. In addition, plenty of changes to the roster of players is sure to come as well.
Of course, one of the biggest factors that will determine the direction of the franchise is LeBron James. If he opts to leave town, the Lakers will have to devise a plan to pivot into a new era and remain a contender without his services. Thankfully, it seems they have already taken this into account.
We previously looked at several Lakers players that are nearly guaranteed to be gone by next season due to their contract situations and other factors. But there are several more guys on the roster whose futures are currently up in the air, and who could potentially be on their way out as well.
Christian Wood
One of these names is Christian Wood. Joining the Lake Show last summer on a two-year deal, Wood will have a player option for next season. Having reportedly already exercised that player option, he could be on his way back in the Purple and Gold.
But nothing is 100% guaranteed as of yet. Christian had a mostly subpar season for the Lakers this past year, with his shooting numbers suffering and him being forced to miss the final month-plus of the season after undergoing a procedure on his left knee.
Wood brought solid interior defense as a backup to Anthony Davis this past season. But his health is of major concern, and it will be a huge determining factor in whether he returns to Los Angeles for a second season or not.