The Lakers have faced another setback in an already injury-ridden season as forward Christian Wood, sidelined since February 14th with a knee injury, is now set to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Dave McMenamin. This unfortunate timing brings concern as Wood’s return might coincide with the end of the regular season, leaving uncertainty about his availability for the postseason. With Wood out, the Lakers find themselves lacking depth in the center position, with only Anthony Davis and Jaxson Hayes as viable options. This vulnerability was exposed during recent games, particularly when Davis suffered an injury against the Warriors, leaving the Lakers with limited alternatives.
ESPN Sources with @McTen: Los Angeles Lakers F Christian Wood will undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks. The Lakers final regular season game is April 14. pic.twitter.com/4SVNc3qJO4
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 19, 2024
The Lakers’ failure to address this issue during the trade deadline or in the buyout market is now glaring. Opting for a guard like Spencer Dinwiddie instead of a big man raised eyebrows, especially considering Dinwiddie’s struggles since joining the team. While injuries are unpredictable, the Lakers’ lack of proactive measures to mitigate risks has left them scrambling to navigate crucial games without adequate center depth.
Despite recent positive updates on players like Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and Cam Reddish, their return doesn’t alleviate the Lakers’ pressing need for a dependable big man. While it remains uncertain whether Wood will miss the remainder of the season, his absence during the crucial stretch ahead poses a significant challenge for the Lakers. Once again, they find themselves entering critical games with a thin roster in the center position, highlighting the urgency of their situation.
