Why Lakers Front Office is Unconcerned About Christian Wood's Icy Chemistry At Prior Stops

The acquisition of Christian Wood had Laker Nation over the moon. 

Long had Wood been rumored to eventually become a member of the team. After months of speculation and conjecture, the 6-foot-10 big man out of Southern California eventually inked a deal with his hometown team. 

Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times wrote a rather fascinating editorial detailing the presumed league-wide trepidation in even pursuing Wood: 

"With Wood, there are questions about his ability to function in a team defense -- questions that didn’t get answered in a positive way last season when he played for Dallas -- and about his willingness to accept his role, with people seeing a gap between what Wood’s best use would be and what Wood would view as the best use of his talents. 

The concerns were serious enough that the Lakers were able to land Wood more than two months into free agency. The only perk Wood was able to score in negotiations was the player option in Year 2, an insurance policy for him should the Lakers decide to move on if things don’t work."

- Dan Woike per Los Angeles Times

Is there a possible reason for worry? Yes -- though one can make the case that there's always a bit of risk involved with every personnel move in some shape or form. Wood should be comfortable in LA, given the fact it's his hometown. It also helps from a Lakers' perspective that the team has a plethora of highly-respected veterans -- along with a strong preexisting culture. 

Perceived history aside, no one doubts Wood and his talent. At 6-foot-10, he's a guy who can score on every level -- whether it's in the paint, from mid-range, or beyond the three-point line. 

With the Lakers, he'll be a true floor spacer at the four. Considering LA has Anthony Davis and Jaxon Hayes manning the center spot, Wood will be yet another option Darvin Ham can call upon within a suddenly deep roster. 

Even better for the Lakers -- if they opt to rest Davis and/or LeBron James periodically throughout the season, you've got a guy on your bench who can give you a double-double in his sleep. 

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