The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled with injuries for several years, and this issue will persist in 2023–24.

The majority of the Lakers’ regular season has seen LeBron James and Anthony Davis stay healthy, but other players on the team have struggled with injuries that have kept them in and out of the starting lineup. The same cannot be said for Christian Wood, even though players like Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt are supposedly getting ready for a possible comeback before the end of the season.

Following more testing, it was found that Wood would require arthroscopic knee surgery, which would require him to miss at least a few weeks due to the injury he sustained during the All-Star break.

With the season coming to an end, there’s a good chance Wood won’t be able to return in time unless he has a really successful postseason run. In the event that Wood is gone for the remainder of the season, Lakers head coach Darvin Ham clarified what it would mean for the team.

Indeed, Ham remarked, “his skill set, his defensive rebounding ability, and his ability to stretch the floor.” It’s a severe blow. However, it was evident that he needed to address it, and we will get him well again.

Throughout the regular season, Wood had a limited role off the bench, although he did display occasional strong two-way play. When Anthony Davis comes off the bench, Wood may either man the center position or play in the frontcourt with Davis.

On the offensive end, Wood can score in the hoop or be a reliable spot-up shooter who can spread the floor. Although he may not be the best rim protector defensively, his stature and length make him a superior choice over players like Jaxson Hayes.

Although Wood’s return hasn’t been ruled out by the Lakers, it’s probably wiser to move forward with the assumption that he won’t make it in time. With Wood out, Hayes will see a bigger role and Davis will need to play more minutes.

LeBron James could be a possible center for Ham, but that should only be tried as a final option. In any case, maybe in the upcoming weeks the Lakers will hear some good news regarding Wood’s injury.

Cam Reddish returning to Lakers lineup against 76ers

The Lakers are adding extra players this week to cover for Christian Wood’s absence. After recovering from a sprained ankle, Cam Reddish is expected to play against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.