There is no way Christian Wood is returning to the parquet floor before December or January. His latest health updates are more concerning than the Lakers’ current roster dilemma. He has already missed the last two months of the previous season following the arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. Since then the 29-year-old center has been in rehab to receive green lights on fitness. However, things might have taken an odd turn.

A reported second procedure on Wood’s same knee has come to light. Two surgeries in seven months- surely not part of his 2024 plans. This means he will once again have a limited contribution to the Lakers in the upcoming season. Christian Wood exercised his $3 million option, but his recovery and return seem more unlikely than ever! Given the need of the moment, Rob Pelinka is undoubtedly looking for a new hope. With quite a few rookies on the roster, the Lakers’ hopes aren’t dimmed yet. But, who will become Wood’s temporary replacement?

According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers front office is “taking a look at” 26-year-old Kylor Kelley. The former NBA G League star and Oregon State’s 7ft player is the latest addition to the Purple and Gold. And well, he is most likely the one to fit into Christian Wood’s shoes. He also plays as the center therefore, the chances are high that we’ll see a lot of Kylor Kelley at least for the next 2-3 months.

In the most unfortunate scenario, Christian Wood had started just a single game for the Lakers last season. And despite playing in 50 games, he could secure just 6.9 points per game. Well, the records aren’t promising, but his presence on the court has been crucial in a lot of situations. However, with uncertainty looming at large, rookies Kylor Kelley, Dalton Knecht, or Quincy Olivari could lead the show. With special emphasis on Kelley, he might have the potential to turn things for good for Rob Pelinka’s boys.

Who is Kylor Kelley, the possible replacement for Christian Wood?

Oregon State’s shot-blocking machine, Kylor Kelley is the 7-footer the Lakers rely on. He is most likely to take Christian Wood’s place as the center. Therefore, tons of responsibilities lie on Kelley’s shoulders. Wood’s alleged successor has led the show at the NBA G League since 2021. But before this, he made a name for himself in college basketball. In 2018, he tallied a school-record nine blocks, to go with 10 points and nine rebounds, in an 82–67 victory over Pepperdine. By season’s end, he ranked second nationally and led the Pac-12 with 3.35 blocks per game, setting a school record. He averaged 7.7 points, and five rebounds, and earned a spot on the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team.

Besides, Kelly has played for the London Lions in the 2021-22 BBL Season. Kylor Kelley has also been with the Bakken Bears of the Danish Basketligaen. He returned to the States the following year to become a part of the NBA G League, thus playing for teams like the Austin Spurs, Raptors 905, and Calgary Surge. Well, the stats Kylor Kelley is presenting make his presence for the Lakers a promising one. So, we can hope that the team will be able to rest their faith in him as they venture out for their 18th title this season.

With obscurity surrounding Christian Wood, the LA Lakers are under pressure. Moreover, rookie debuts are always filled with excitement and skepticism. So, with Kylor Kelley too, there will be doubtful eyes peering onto the hooper. But, there is always a speck of optimism waiting to be explored and Kelley could be the one.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.