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[Saba Sports News] Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Christian Wood will miss the start of the 2024-25 NBA season after undergoing successful arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, the team announced.
Following the news, Wood took to social media to share with fans: “Damn.. I was just feeling like my old self again and was in peak shape. Minor setback for a major comeback, and to my fans, don’t stop believing in me.”
Wood, 28, is in the final year of his contract after opting into his $3 million player option. Last season, he played 50 games, averaging 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 46.6% from the floor. Though his role was limited, Wood remains a key part of the Lakers’ bench, especially as they seek depth behind Anthony Davis.
Rumors of a potential trade involving Wood circulated during the offseason, but he remains with the team. With Jaxson Hayes as the only other healthy center, the Lakers now face challenges in managing their frontcourt rotation.
Wood’s latest surgery follows a similar knee injury that cut his 2023-24 season short. The Lakers, under new head coach JJ Redick, will need to navigate these early roster difficulties as they aim for another championship run. Whether they will add another big man before the season starts remains uncertain.