In a blow to the
Los Angeles Lakers' playoff hopes, forward
Christian Wood is set to undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee, ESPN sources revealed on Monday. The surgery is anticipated to sideline the 28-year-old for several weeks, dealing a significant setback to the team's aspirations for the remainder of the season.
Wood has already been absent from the court for over a month, initially sidelined due to swelling in his knee that emerged during the All-Star break. Despite efforts to manage the injury, it appears that surgical intervention is now necessary to address the underlying issue.
The versatile big man joined the Lakers on a one-year, veterans minimum contract during the offseason, adding depth and skill to their frontcourt rotation. Throughout the current season, Wood has contributed an average of 6.9 points per game on 46.6% shooting from the field, with a 3-point percentage of 30.7%. Additionally, he has provided valuable rebounding, averaging 5.1 rebounds per game across 50 appearances.
With Wood sidelined, the Lakers face an uphill battle to maintain their position in the Western Conference standings. Currently holding a narrow lead over the Golden State Warriors for the No. 9 seed, Los Angeles has just 13 games remaining in the regular season, culminating in a crucial finale scheduled for April 14th.
The absence of Wood further exacerbates the Lakers' ongoing challenges, adding to a laundry list of injuries and setbacks that have plagued the team throughout the campaign. As they navigate the final stretch of the season, Los Angeles must regroup and rally behind its remaining roster members to secure a coveted playoff berth and strive for postseason success.