Rob Pelinka Reveals Christian Wood Chose Lakers Over Multiple Contending Franchises

Lakers GM Rob Pelinka wasn't shy about the team's pursuit of key free-agent acquisition Christian Wood all offseason and recently signed the talented big man to LA's roster.

It's no surprise that Wood had his fair share of suitors due to his skillset, but he ultimately decided on the bright lights of Los Angeles for numerous reasons.

Rob Pelinka says that he spoke to Christian Wood's agent on a nearly daily basis for several months while pursuing Wood as a free agent this summer. Pelinka said that Wood chose the Lakers over offers from other contenders and cited the way Malik Monk and Dennis Schroder came to…
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) September 28, 2023

Monk's role on the 2022 Lakers can't be overstated after the talented Kentucky guard rebounded from his lackluster stay in Charlotte to be a productive player in his lone season for LA.

Schroder likely wished he signed a lucrative extension with the Lakers before 2021, but his defensive intensity in his second run for LA earned him a place in Toronto this offseason.

Wood feels he can make a similar impact alongside Lebron James and Anthony Davis after a good offensive season in Dallas.

Though chemistry issues and a questionable competitive fire follow the center, it's worth mentioning that Wood's never been on a contender or even a playoff roster in his career.

The Mavs surely thought their move for Kyrie Irving would be lethal alongside Wood and Luka Doncic, but their descent to the play-in game became one of the disappointments of the 2023 season.

Now in LA for a fresh start, Wood has the chance to play heavy minutes in the frontcourt for Darvin Ham either as a sixth man or starter alongside Davis.

No matter what role the former Rocket and Piston will play, his addition to the team is a sure upgrade over Wenyan Gabriel and Tristan Thompson for backup minutes at the very least.

With a skillset that far exceeds his meager contract fans should have plenty to be excited about for their newest free agent.

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