The Los Angeles Lakers’ frontcourt depth has taken a hit because Christian Wood is expected to miss the start of the 2024-25 campaign after undergoing successful arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on Monday.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Wood will be re-evaluated in eight weeks, meaning he will not participate in basketball activities until late November or early December.
“Damn. I was just feeling like my old self again and was in peak shape,” Wood posted on his X (formerly known as Twitter). “Minor setback for a major comeback, and to my fans, don’t stop believing in me.”
This is the second procedure Christian Wood has undergone on the same knee this year after going under the knife in March. The 28-year-old only played 50 games for the Purple and Gold last season, averaging 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds in 17.4 minutes per night.
Christian Wood is not the only Los Angeles Lakers big who’s unlikely to participate in training camp, as Jarred Vanderbilt is still dealing with a foot injury he sustained last season.
Los Angeles Lakers frontcourt depth
With Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood sidelined, Anthony Davis will continue to log heavy minutes at the center position, with LeBron James playing power forward and Rui Hachimura as the small forward.
Jaxson Hayes will also get more minutes than usual. The former New Orleans Pelicans high-flyer played 70 regular season games (five starts) last season, averaging 4.3 points and 3.0 rebounds in 12.5 minutes per contest.
Christian Wood is entering the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers after triggering his $3 million player option this summer.
