Rumors: Former Mavericks' big man is Lakers' ideal free agent target

The Dallas Mavericks still have an open roster spot, but the team seems in no rush to fill it, as free agency has been going on for over a month. They've added some difference-makers such as Seth Curry and Grant Williams, but they still need to make some more moves to become solidified contenders.

The Mavs also had one of the top remaining free agents on their roster last season, but it looks like he won't be returning to Dallas under any circumstances.

That former Maverick is Christian Wood, and it looks like he could be heading west this offseason.

Rumors: Former Mavericks' big man is Lakers' ideal free agent target

According to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times, Wood "still seems like the top choice" for the Lakers' 14th roster spot.

Last season for Dallas, Wood averaged 16.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game. The Mavericks gave up Boban Marjanovic, Sterling Brown, Marquese Chriss, Trey Burke, and a first-round pick for Wood last summer, but his time in Dallas did not go as expected.

Wood struggled tremendously on defense and never seemed like he had a solidified role on the team. His minutes also varied often, and he never truly fit in on the team despite playing in 67 games. It just wasn't meant to be.

This partnership couldn't have gone worse, and the Mavericks are likely glad that his deal was expiring. After posting these great stats with Dallas, all of Wood's interest in free agency seems to be at the veteran's minimum.

It is uncommon that a player as talented as Wood has such low value, but his defensive struggles and personality could be scaring teams away. The Lakers seem very interested in signing Wood to be their backup big, but his struggles could lead them to go another way.

Will the Los Angeles Lakers sign Christian Wood or will he go elsewhere?

That question will likely be answered at some point over the next few weeks, and we'll have you covered.