It's Official: Lakers Sign Best Remaining Free Agent

It was thought all summer that the Los Angeles Lakers were the leading candidates to sign the best remaining free agent, Christian Wood. Today, they made it official, signing the potential 20-point scorer to a two-year deal.

Lakers officially announce signing of Christian Wood pic.twitter.com/iXut0j3vFv

— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) September 6, 2023

It's a two-year deal for the veteran’s minimum ($2.85 million per year) with a player option in the second season. 

Wood himself explained his signing with the Purple & Gold as a dream come true.  

Christian Wood statement to @andscape about signing with the Lakers. The former Mavericks forward opted not to discuss his former team. pic.twitter.com/YvV1BJvgDH

— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) September 6, 2023

"I've always wanted to be a Laker. I know we can win a championship... Coach Ham and I go back to our Milwaukee days and... he believes in me and told me I'll be playing a big role."

He added that he's definitely motivated "after what Dallas did." He was likely referring to the fact that the Mavericks last season did not ever make him a featured part of the team, leaving him to come off the bench most of the season after two years of proving himself in Houston by averaging close to 20 points and 10 boards a night as a starter. 

It remains to be seen exactly what role the big man will play alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but it's a big win for the Lakers to add a player of his caliber at this point in the offseason. 

Photo: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports