Report: Lakers' Wood set to return for Game 3 vs. Nuggets

Los Angeles Lakers forward Christian Wood intends to play in Game 3 on Thursday against the Denver Nuggets, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.

Wood has been out since Feb. 14 with a knee issue. He underwent an arthroscopic procedure in March and missed the remainder of the regular season, during which time Darvin Ham's squad went 17-9 and secured a play-in berth.

Wood is reportedly still set to miss Monday's Game 2. In 50 games this season with L.A., the 28-year-old averaged 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds. The return of the career 37.2% 3-point shooter will provide the Lakers' frontcourt with better spacing against a stingy Nuggets defense that allowed the second-fewest attempts per game from beyond the arc (11.2) during the regular season.

Los Angeles is down 1-0 in the series after dropping Saturday's opener despite strong showings from co-stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Forward Taurean Prince was its only reserve to score, putting up 11 points in 20 minutes. Starting point guard D'Angelo Russell also struggled with his shot, going 6 of 20 from the field, including 1 of 9 from deep.