The Los Angeles Lakers could welcome Christian Wood back soon

Los Angeles Lakers big man Christian Wood has been sidelined with a left knee injury for over two months, last appearing in their 138-122 victory over the Utah Jazz on February 14th. He could be on the verge of making the first postseason appearance of his eight-year career in Game 3 of the Lakers’ first round matchup with the Denver Nuggets, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, who tweeted:

Lakers F/C Christian Wood is planning to return to action in Game 3 vs. the Denver Nuggets on Thursday in LA, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium . A key boost to Lakers frontcourt. Wood, out since Feb. 14 due to knee injury, has averaged 7 points and 5.1 rebounds this season.

Lakers F/C Christian Wood is planning to return to action in Game 3 vs. the Denver Nuggets on Thursday in LA, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. A key boost to Lakers frontcourt. Wood, out since Feb. 14 due to knee injury, has averaged 7 points and 5.1 rebounds this season. pic.twitter.com/DknRfbwpfx

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 21, 2024

While he initially appeared likely to rehab the injury to his left knee, Wood underwent a successful arthroscopic surgery on March 19th. His return would provide the Lakers with much needed size and another body to throw at Nikola Jokic. Despite controlling Game 1 for much of the first half, Los Angeles suffered a 114-103 loss, their ninth straight against Denver, dating back to last season.

Christian Wood appeared in 50 regular season games this season, however, he his role was constantly fluctuating as he played just 17.4 minutes per game. It marked his least playing time since the 2018-19 season when he appeared in just 21 games. The veteran big man averaged 6.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.3 steals and 0.7 blocks per game while shooting 46.6% from the field, 30.7% from three-point range and 70.2% from the free-throw line. He finished the season with his fewest points per game and worst shooting percentage since the 2016-17 season.

Although he is planning to return to action this series, it is unclear if Wood is at full strength or if he will be on a minutes restriction. Furthermore, it remains to be seen what his role will be after an up-and-down season. The status of Cam Reddish and Jarred Vanderbilt remain up in the air after both players also missed Game 1.