Lakers big man Christian Wood has exercised his player option for 2024/25, league sources tell Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter link). The move guarantees Wood’s $3,036,040 salary for next season, postponing his free agency until 2025.
Wood, 28, remained on the free agent market for over two months last summer despite averaging 16.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 25.9 minutes per game across 67 appearances for Dallas in 2022/23. He eventually signed a two-year, minimum-salary contract with the Lakers that featured a player option on the second season.
Wood played a limited role in Los Angeles, averaging 6.9 PPG and 5.1 RPG in 50 games (17.4 MPG). His shooting percentages – 46.6% from the floor and 30.7% on three-pointers – were both well below his career rates and his season came to an early end when he was sidelined by a left knee injury in February that forced him to undergo arthroscopic surgery in March.
The veteran forward/center was technically cleared to play in the final two games of L.A.’s first-round series vs. Denver, but the club opted not to use him after such a long layoff.
Given how much trouble he had finding a favorable deal in free agency a year ago, it’s no surprise that Wood opted into the second year of his existing contract after a down season that ended with a major injury. His option decision doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be back in Los Angeles for ’24/25, since he could be a trade candidate this offseason.
Wood is the second player to pick up a player option this spring, joining Bulls guard Lonzo Ball. The full list of pending player option decisions – which features four more Lakers, including LeBron James – can be found right here.
Not too long ago. Wood thought he was a max player. Now he’s hanging on to 3 mill.
You know he’s traded ……
Not max but definitely in $15-20m per. His agent messed it up big time.
Agreed. Similar to Dennis Schroder. Should have taken a great contract while the opportunity was there.
Get that bag
Most teams don’t want him around after one season so my money is on him getting traded.
“Postponing free agency” lmao
In order to defeat Wolves in playoffs, Lakers need to trade offensive players for top tier defenders
Trade DLo, Rui and Wood
Who is giving up a top tier defender for Rui and Wood? D Lo is opting out and I don’t see any reason for him to cooperate with a sign and trade. Nobody is going to want D Lo on a mega inflated deal just because you’re throwing in Rui, especially if they have to give up a valuable asset on top of that.
You forgot that Lakers have 2031 first round pick to attach.
Example
Lakers offer 3 Firsts and salary for
Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Herd Jones
Jimmy Butler
Oh, Hang the banner now. 24/25 champs LOL.