While Team USA was busy defending the country’s pride in the FIBA World Cup 2023, the NBA teams were making moves. One such acquisition took place recently as the team of LeBron James added Christian Wood to their roster. After the national team’s misery in the tournament, Austin Reaves shared his thoughts on the trade.
The World Cup did not go as planned for Team USA as they faced humiliation in the semi-finals against Germany. Reaves certainly did not shy away from talking about the addition because of that.
How does Christian Wood improve the LeBron James led roster?
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The Los Angeles Lakers acted swiftly to sign the 27-year-old on a two-year $5.7 million contract. Wood possesses the capability of improving the team immensely with his overall gameplay. Austin seemed to have understood and appreciated the same as he expressed his gratitude stating, “Happy to have him”.
“He brings more versatility to the group that we have.”
During USA 🏀 practice today I asked Austin Reaves about what Christian Wood can bring to the Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) pic.twitter.com/90n4vMDMtO
— Naveen Ganglani (@naveenganglani) September 9, 2023
Following a rough start to his NBA career, Wood worked on his style to make turn himself into an offensive threat. Alongside that, he could fill in as both center and power forward. Reaves highlighted the same, saying,?“He brings more versatility to the group that we have”.
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Christian’s rise as both a starter and a bench player, in the past couple of years has been worth following. Shooting over 50% from the field, the former Dallas Mavericks star is one of the best options as a rotation player. Thus, Hillbilly?Kobe hailed him as?“a really good talent”?before sharing, “Can’t wait to get back and work with him”.
This business strategy from the Lakes further solidifies one thing.
Moving away from global stars to add balance
One of the biggest problems the franchise faced in the second half of the previous decade was the lack of proper balance in the squad. With no proper star power in the team, the trade business for them became experimental.
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In the last few seasons, they seem to have learned from it, as they have been picky over their choices. Reaves himself was one such example as the Lakers put their money on him, even when the odds were against them.
Christian has become the latest addition to the list as the management aims to provide James with more and more impactful players.
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Would this strategy turn out to be a success once again? Let us know in the comments below.