EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Lakers big man Christian Wood had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Tuesday in the latest injury setback for Los Angeles’ depth players.
The Lakers provided no time frame for Wood’s recovery from the procedure, which was performed at Ronald UCLA Medical Center, Reagan. However, it appears fairly likely that Wood, who hasn’t played since February 14th, will miss at least the remainder of the regular season due to the injury.
The absence of veterans Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and Cam Reddish from the Lakers (37-32) is also hurting the team’s ability to field a strong supporting group around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
After appearing in just five games during his rookie season with the Lakers, Vincent had a knee injury in October, and Vanderbilt has been sidelined since February 1 due to a damaged right foot. It is probably not good news for their prospects that the team has not stated when each veteran would be able to return to the field.
Due to an ankle injury, Reddish hasn’t played since March 8; nonetheless, the Lakers anticipate a quick return.
For the first time since joining the Lakers, Wood is averaging 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds in 50 games this season. In the absence of Wood, Los Angeles’ backup center, Jaxson Hayes, has stepped up and played well.
Despite their injury issues, the Lakers have still won 13 of their last 20 games. They defeated Atlanta handily on Monday to maintain their ninth-place standing in the Western Conference playoff chase. James is having an exceptionally successful 21st NBA season, averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 7.2 rebounds. D’Angelo Russell has been shooting excellently from outside the field since the middle of the season.
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