In a significant offseason move, Christian Wood transitioned to the Los Angeles Lakers, leaving behind a year with the Dallas Mavericks.
During his tenure with the Mavericks last season, Wood averaged of 16.6 points and 7.3 rebounds in 5.9 minutes per game. However, his role with the Lakers has seen a shift, reflected in his current stats of 6.8 points and 6.1 rebounds in 20.6 minutes per game.
The 28-year-old forward is adjusting to a different playing style, taking just over five shots per game, and his usage rate has experienced a noticeable drop (from 25.9% to 15.9%), as highlighted in a recent article by John Shuhmann of NBA.com.
Wood commented on his evolving role after the loss against his former team, the Mavericks. “I’m not playing a role I played the last four or five years, which was being a high-usage guy, taking a lot of shots,” he said, per Dan Woike of Los Angeles Times.
Addressing his versatility, Wood emphasized his willingness to adapt to a role player position, assisting with rebounds and contributing wherever the team needs.
“Playing this role player role, where I’m trying … if the team needs help with rebounds, I have to try and help rebound,” he said.
“And whatever they need to do, I’m there to do. Some nights, they’re going to run plays for me, some nights they’re not. I just got to be prepared for that.”
