The Los Angeles Lakers are at it again…

Christian Wood (Photo by Kirby Lee /Imagn Images)
They recently waived Christian Wood, just hours after he expressed optimism about his return from injury. And the internet has gone crazy over the findings. While this is not at all shocking, as Wood had been sidelined this season due to knee surgery, it handicapped him, leaving him unable to contribute to a team that desperately needed depth in the frontcourt.

The irony came at a crazy time. A Lakers fan account on X (formerly Twitter) tagged Wood and enquired about what was going on with him, and asked for an update. It’s obvious for Wood to take notice of the tweet as he was out of action for long. He showed courtesy and replied to the tweet.

“Progressing.. I’ll be back soon,” Wood wrote in his reply.

However, the Lakers’ pressing need for a reliable big man led them to make the difficult decision to part ways with him. Acquiring Alex Len after he cleared waivers provides the Lakers with the size and rebounding ability they desperately need as they gear up for a playoff push. Len’s solid frame, at seven feet tall, should help the Lakers compete against teams with formidable frontcourts like the Nuggets and Mavericks. It appears the front office opted for a quick fix over speculative potential, favoring Len’s immediate contributions over Wood’s uncertain return.

The Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, recognized the urgency of addressing their roster issues following the failed trade for Mark Williams, which amplified the need for immediate solutions in their bid for a playoff push. While some may debate whether waiving Wood was the right call, the Lakers are clearly prioritizing their current roster needs.

Social Media Erupts After Lakers Waive Christian Wood

Adding Len provides depth and experience in the paint, allowing for a more balanced lineup. For Wood, this move can feel like a setback, especially after expressing hope for his health and impact on the team. However, internet fans are going crazy over this move.

“Dude got paid for sitting on the bench all year. Worst things have happened,” a fan commented on the development.

“He probably blames Luka,” another fan commented.

“There’s nothing to feel awful about. His situation was so bizarre. Got injured last season, kept saying he’s close, and never came back. No real updates or timeline. He’ll probably be out of the league next year,” another one added.

“He’s had plenty of opportunities on diff teams and bro never works out for any of em so idk,” another comment read.

“I bet he’ll blame Luka lol. I’m sure his being on the team and Wood’s departure are related,” a user commented.

This decision speaks volumes about the Lakers’ priorities as they navigate the challenges of the season. The organization has been proactive in addressing its weaknesses, understanding that the playoffs are on the horizon. While Wood’s potential was evident when healthy, the risk of waiting for him to recover proved too great for a team that is aiming to make a strong playoff run.