The Los Angeles Lakers are undergoing significant changes, starting with the dismissal of former Head Coach Darvin Ham and his coaching staff. This move signals a shift in the team’s approach, suggesting a different coaching philosophy will guide the Lakers next season. Additionally, roster changes are expected, as the team rethinks its composition.
A major uncertainty in the Lakers’ future is the status of LeBron James. If he decides to depart, the Lakers must strategize to maintain their competitive edge without him. Fortunately, indications suggest that the franchise has already begun preparing for this possibility.
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.
