Can the Los Angeles Lakers save themselves from humiliation and avoid getting swept by the Denver Nuggets for the 2nd straight year tonight? Now, that’s the question that will highlight tonight’s Game 4 at Crypto.com Arena. As LeBron James and Co. prepare to take on the defending Champions once again, positive news came their way about the highly-anticipated return of Forward Christian Wood, which could possibly help them save their season.

As per Lakers head coach Darvin Ham, Christian Wood will be available to play against the Nuggets tonight. Not having suited up since February 14 because of a knee injury, his return could prove crucial for the Purple & Gold. A backup for Anthony Davis and a decent 3 and D guy, Wood could help contain Nikola Jokic and Co.’s offense, and use his 6’8 frame against them. Staying away for over two months might affect his performance tonight. Following February’s All-Star break, Wood was diagnosed with a left knee effusion, which is a form of swelling in the knee.

Then, with no other option left, Wood underwent an arthroscopic surgery on his injured knee in March. There were murmurs about Wood planning to return for Thursday’s Game 3, but that did not happen. But he is finally back tonight.

Having played only 50 games in the regular season, Wood proved a huge asset for the Lakers all year. By averaging nearly seven points and five rebounds off the bench, his availability gave AD time to rest and recover.

How can Christian Wood’s return help the Lakers?

“Our focus is trying to get better from tonight, learn from our mistakes, and try to get a win on Saturday.” As Anthony Davis reflected on Game 3 after the embarrassing loss, he knew where the Lakers needed to improve to have a better chance of winning Game 4. From second-chance points to getting outrebounded by the Nuggets, they’ve failed on the plays that require more effort on the floor. And that will not help beat a Championship team like Denver.

Just in Game 3, the Lakers gave up fourteen offensive rebounds while grabbing only eight offensive rebounds of their own. After getting outrebounded 51-38 on Thursday, no wonder the Lakers were unable to protect their home court against Denver.

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With the return of Christian Wood tonight, Darvin Ham will have one more big man to put against Denver’s lineup. He could help guard Aaron Gordon, who went off for 29 points along with grabbing fifteen rebounds in Game 3. Or Wood can directly take on The Joker for some time, giving AD more freedom to operate on offense.

Whatever the case, Wood could prove a great asset for the Lakers in the crucial game and the Lakers would be happy to have him in the lineup after over two months.