Wood underwent left knee surgery in September and has yet to play this season. Since the Lakers traded Anthony Davis to the Mavericks, there’s a need for frontcourt depth, either through current players getting healthy or the front office making a move before Thursday afternoon’s trade deadline. When asked about Wood’s status on Wednesday, Lakers coach JJ Redick had no update. Wood’s availability won’t impact fantasy basketball, and the Lakers will need an upgrade whether he plays or not.

Wood is set to start doing live work with coaches soon, while Hayes is working on strengthening his ankle and will have a clearer update next week. While this is certainly progress, there still isn’t a firm timeline for either player. Christian Koloko will continue to be the backup center until Wood or Hayes returns.

Wood, who hasn’t played yet in 2024-25, is experiencing soreness after beginning his ramp up for a return to the hardwood. The Lakers’ reserve big man is likely a while away from being a serviceable fantasy asset this season.

During Lakers media day, Wood said he believed he has two more weeks of rehab and a two-week ramp-up process before he can play. While optimistic, this timeline does not align with the reports after his September knee surgery. At the time, it was stated that Wood would be re-evaluated in eight weeks, meaning he wouldn’t be ready for the start of the regular season. With this being the second procedure on Wood’s knee in the last calendar year, the Lakers exercising caution would be unsurprising. While Wood sits, Jarred Vanderbilt and Jaxson Hayes are two players competing for rotation minutes off the bench. The former can provide defensive value, but the playing time may not be enough for Vanderbilt to impact most fantasy leagues.