NBA legend LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers seem to be in a tough situation even before the start of the 2024-25 NBA season.
LeBron James
The Los Angeles Lakers have caught the attention of the NBA community lately. But this time for all the unwanted reasons. The Lakers are one of the most decorated franchises in the NBA. However, over the past few years they haven’t been at their best despite having legendary player, LeBron James in their side. Notably, things have gone from bad to worse for the Lakers as injuries have hampered their roster even before the start of the new NBA season.
As per reports, Christian Wood, a big man for the Lakers, will miss at least two months following arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. The Lakers confirmed that Wood underwent the treatment on Monday at UCLA Medical Center. By early November, or in eight weeks, he will have another evaluation.
This is a huge miss for the Lakers. It’s important to note that, Wood is not the only player being sidelined due to injury. The Lakers will also miss utility player, Jarred Vanderbilt due to injury. His absence will surely be an issue for the Lakers at the start of the season.
Lakers say Christian Wood underwent surgery on his left knee and will be re-evaluated in eight weeks.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 9, 2024
That said, his career stats of 6.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 6.1 points are not indicative of his influence on the floor. He’s the kind of athlete every NBA team needs and craves. This is due to his wing and defense skills. Hence, it remains to be seen when Vanderbilt will return to the Lakers‘ training camp ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season.
Fans upset as LeBron James loses players amidst lackluster offseason
LeBron James has been one of the best players for the Los Angeles Lakers over the past few years. In addition, with injuries to many players on the Lakers roster, James has a lot to do ahead of the start of the new season. Also, the Lakers had a poor 2023-24 season too and it does not seem to get any better for them going into the new season.
This has left many fans upset. They took to various social media platforms to put forward their views and frustration regarding the current situation. One fan wrote on X, “Damn this is a cursed team,” after coming across the Christian Wood injury update. Check out some of the fan reactions towards the Lakers missing crucial players due to injury below:
Damn this is a cursed team
— joegrower420.eth 🌱 (@joegrower420) September 9, 2024
At least the Lakers are consistent in some things smh …
— EmpireJeff (@EmpireJeff_) September 9, 2024
What? No way, man
I didn’t have this on my radar
So Wood is joining Vando in recovering from injuries?
— Lakers On 𝕏 (@LakersOnX) September 9, 2024
I feel nothing anymore
— Vengeance Wood 🪵 💜💛 (@Vengeancewood) September 9, 2024
Season hasn’t even started yet 🤦♂️
— Lakers Empire (@LakersEmpire) September 9, 2024
You got to be kidding me dawg
— 23 💫👑 (@Br0nToLA23) September 9, 2024
Man come on!!! We can’t keep this team healthy for NOTHING!!!
— Derrick Morrison (@Derrick_Mo) September 9, 2024
Furthermore, Wood exercised his $3 million player option and is rejoining the Lakers this season. In his first season with the Lakers, he played in 50 games and averaged 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds. The Lakers fans want to see more of Wood but injuries have kept him out of the court. It remains to be seen when Wood makes a return to the court for the Lakers in the coming months.
