Lakers Still After Top Remaining Free Agent Option

The Los Angeles Lakers seemingly have one more bit of business to take care of this offseason, but how they'll get there is still a mystery. 

The Lakers still have one open roster spot, and it seems to be reserved for the top remaining free agent option, Christian Wood. But Wood wants more than the veteran's minimum, and the Lakers can't really afford to offer anything more than that due to luxury tax considerations. 

The Los Angeles Lakers "have maintained a level of interest in signing free agent big man Christian Wood," according to NBA reporter Marc Stein, though they are only capable of offering him a league minimum contract.

H/T @TheSteinLine pic.twitter.com/8nhWIH6Dcq

— Washed LakersvsHaters 🅿️ (@notlakersgm) August 7, 2023

A sign-and-trade with the Dallas Mavericks is not an option for the Lakers, as they don't want to give up an asset(s) for Wood, plus any type of sign-and-trade would require a three-year contract with at least one season guaranteed, per Insider Marc Stein. Again, not something the Lakers are interested in doing. 

They already, rightfully, feel they are the leading candidate to sign Wood, so they could be bidding against themselves in giving up anything more than they're comfortable with. 

The Miami Heat are another team that's looming for a possible Wood signing, but they seem to be handcuffed on that until they know what's going to transpire on the Damian Lillard trade front. 

Wood had another fine offensive season last year in Dallas, scoring 16.6 points per game with 7.0 rebounds in just 25 minutes per contest. He also shot 37.6% from long range. But his defensive deficiencies and questionable locker room attributes have dogged him into this free agent season, holding down his earning power. 

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