There’s no doubt that the LA Lakers got the better deal acquiring Luka Doncic from the Mavericks. However, giving up Anthony Davis seems to have left a hole in their roster. A gap that Los Angeles hasn’t been able to fill even after a month and a half. As of March 18, 2025, the Lakers sit 6th in the West at 35-28, but a recent 4-game skid has exposed their frontcourt frailty. It’s crystal clear that the Lakers have been in dire need of a center since AD left. However, it’s not like they didn’t try to replace the 31-year-old superstar before the trade window closed on February 6th. They even worked hard to land Charlotte Hornets big man Mark Williams before the deadline.
In fact, they did! However, the youngster failed his medical in Los Angeles and had to be unfortunately sent back. That left the Lakers with no choice but to take the less glamourous route and find a solid center through the free agency market. Sure enough, the Lakers took this route and added journeyman Alex Len to their roster apart from promoting youngster Jaxson Hayes to their starting lineup. Hayes, now averaging 6.7 points and 4.6 rebounds, has shown growth—most notably in his 19-point outburst against the Suns on March 16—but analysts see him as a high-energy backup, not a cornerstone, casting doubt on his long-term role. By adding Len, HC JJ Redick, and the Lakers upper management thought they could roll with the two centers for the rest of the season. However, they were incorrect. LA acquired Len after he was waived off by the Wizards at the deadline.
Now, the picture is becoming much more clear, as to why the 31-year-old center was waived in the first place. Len was in the starting lineup in a recent matchup against Milwaukee and it was a forgetful performance, to say the least. He finished the game with just 2 points, and went 1-of-3 from the field, grabbing three rebounds and one assist in 19 minutes. He now has eight points in his seven appearances in the Lakers uniform. That’s just not acceptable, especially when you’re playing for a playoff team. Meanwhile, Jaxson Hayes has returned from the injury and averaging a solid 6.7 points and 4.6 rebounds. More importantly, he’s got great chemistry with Luka Donic and is scoring 82 percent from his passes.
Nov 26, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) against the Phoenix Suns during an NBA Cup game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
However, analysts and journalists don’t see Hayes as a long-term solution. Fair enough, he’s yet to prove his worth. A former Lakers big man’s return from a long absence is making huge waves among the Lakers fans. Yes! none other than Christian Wood is soon making his return to the hardwood. While he was waived by the Lakers, fans are urging the management to bring back Wood. Especially, amid Hayes’ uncertain future and Len’s poor performances. One fan took to X to ask, “Can we waive Len and resign Wood?” Well, that isn’t a bad shout given Len is visibly not up for the task even as a backup, let alone start. However, this wasn’t the only fan asking for Wood’s return. There’s a lot from where this came from.
Lakers faithful urge their management to bring back Christian Wood
On Sunday, former Lakers star Christian Wood announced his return to the hardwood after a year-long absence. “Cleared to play basketball in a week ..,” Wood wrote on X. “Finally it’s been a year, I’m just happy to be back ..” This caused a massive stir among the Lakers fans and followers as they shared similar thoughts on the return of the 29-year-old big man. One fan was so happy about Wood’s return that he wrote, “I would take Christian Wood with no knees over another second of a fully healthy Alex Len.” Venting out his frustration after Alex Len’s poor performances. Well, the stats don’t lie and Len has been nowhere near at the level of playing a Laker.
AND WE GET WOOD BACK SOON!!! https://t.co/XorsneWSMP
— Lakers Empire (@LakersEmpire) March 16, 2025
On the flip side, another person kept calm and looked at the more rational side of things. “That doesn’t mean he’s ready to play in games that sounds more like he can start basketball activities which he hasn’t done since summer which is probably why the Lakers got rid of him.” He wrote on X. That’s a great perspective on Wood’s return! It’s because Wood is cleared to play basketball that’s doesn’t translate to him being fit enough to compete in the league. It might be that he’s still far away from match fitness.
Meanwhile, the majority of the Lakers fans are urging to re-sign Wood. A follower hasn’t truly bought into the idea. “When are ya gonna realize Christian Wood is a LIAR??” The user stated on X. Well, you can’t deny that Wood has been eyeing a return for over a year now. More importantly, no one truly knows how fit he actually is. So, it might be better for LA to assess the situation before even thinking of making a move that could leave them back to their present situation.
But, not all hope is lost. One fan suggested a much more reasonable approach to the Lakers. “Idk. It’s worth to take a look at him and see where he is at. Honestly bring him for a workout, same with Moses Brown.” Coach JJ Redick hinted at flexibility post-Milwaukee, saying, ‘We’re evaluating all options.’ With an open roster spot, a 10-day contract or workout could test Wood’s readiness, a low-risk move echoing LA’s past success with reclamation projects like Malik Monk. The user wrote. Stating that bringing Christian Wood in for a workout might just help LA know what’s his current situation and find out if he’s fit. Overall, it seems that the Lakers Nation wants a new big man on their team to help them make that championship run. Whether the Lakers will re-sign Wood or not, only time will tell.
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