He just signed for 5.7M and will have a coming-off-the-bench role because of Rui Hachimura

The Los Angeles Lakers are officially set for their training camp after filling the 14th roster spot with the center Christian Wood who just signed a two-year 5.7 million deal with a player option.

Despite Wood's first doubts on how large his role was going to be with the team, he held conversations with the Lakers head coach Darvin Ham to assure him that he was going to play a big role with the team.

But, at least at first, Wood isn't set to be a starter in coach Ham's lineup, that role will be for Rui Hachimura as Anthony Davis will begin the season as the team's five.

The news comes from NBA insider Jovan Buha who clarifies the Lakers starting situation: “The early expectation is that Wood will come off the bench with Rui Hachimura the likely frontcourt starter next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, according to team sources. At a minimum, Wood will be the primary backup center behind Davis while occasionally teaming with him in two big lineups. He should average around 20 minutes per game when everyone is healthy.”

The Lakers' three centers besides Anthony Davis

Davis feels more comfortable playing at the four instead of the five, the reason why he asked the front office to get more help at the center role. The team has now Christian Wood, Jaxson Hayes, and even the two-way rookie Colin Castleton as their big options besides AD.