In 2023, the moment the Los Angeles Lakers inked a contract with Christian Wood, everyone felt it would be an outstanding move. With a minimum deal, player option above $3 million, good size, and possessing skills to play big man, it was hard to say no. The team saw it as a way to boost roster depth. However, almost in the middle of this season, this move is ending up as a big bad question mark.

Logically, it’s not fair to judge because Christian Wood has played only 50 games out of 118 since being acquired. But injuries keep getting him off track. This season could be termed as catastrophic. For a team seeking results, it seems the rope’s end is approaching. A trade gives little hope of solving the problem. But they need good value in return if he becomes a trade asset.

As time ticks on, the Lakers are left wondering. Is Wood the key to unlocking their potential, or is it time to part ways?

Will Christian Wood Be the Lakers’ Big Gamble or Biggest Regret?

The updates on Christian Wood’s recovery aren’t inspiring much confidence. Back on Dec. 30, JJ Redick noted that Wood was participating in individual work after practice. However, as Jovan Buha bluntly stated, “Christian Wood, there’s been no updates… no clue when or if he’s coming back.” Meanwhile, Jarred Vanderbilt, also recovering from injury, is reportedly closer to returning. If Vanderbilt beats Wood back to the court, it could severely limit any opportunity for the latter to re-establish himself in the rotation.

When he is not injured, Wood has been great as a big player in the NBA. From 2018-19 through 2022-23, he averaged 22.3 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and two three-pointers per 36 minutes. He shot 52.0% from the field and 38.1% beyond the arc. Over the last few seasons, Wood’s per-game averages were 18.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.8 three-pointers in just under 30 minutes of play.

That kind of production is exactly what the Lakers need! They currently rank 27th in second-chance points allowed. They are near the bottom in bench scoring and rebounding. Wood’s ability to stretch the floor, crash the boards, and protect the rim could address multiple weak spots in one go—if he can stay on the court.

Lakers Future: Make or Break at the Deadline?

Christian Wood has struggled to become a force. The team could never quite figure out how to maximize his abilities. Injuries further complicated his role. In fact, his playing role with the Lakers was not a fair representation of his skill set. He was cast into what he believed to be incompatible categories in 2023-24. Hence, he ended up being an inconsistent player. His offensive versatility—such as spacing the floor—suggests he would match perfectly with Anthony Davis on paper.

At the deadline, he might have a different decision to take. Christian Wood’s $3 million salary can surely be used as a significant trade chip. A team in need of size or scoring could find him valuable.

But what if Wood returns healthy and starts playing at his peak level again? The 29-year-old has proven he can be a game-changer when he’s on his game. It’s a gamble. However, the Lakers may not have the luxury of waiting any longer.

It has been anything but smooth for Christian Wood with the Lakers. There have been sporadic flashes of brilliance during that time. However, it has been marked by injuries and their repercussions impacting his full capability. The team hangs in the balance. Every day, the playoffs seem less certain! Rob Pelinka faces a critical decision: to wait—or trade him while the contract still has value.

For now, it seems like the clock is ticking on Christian Wood’s tenure in Purple and Gold. Whether he can turn things around or gets shipped out remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure, and I repeat—the Lakers can’t afford to wait much longer.