Los Angeles Lakers
Expendable difference-maker: Christian Wood
The hope for the Los Angeles Lakers is that they emerge as a true championship contender in the Western Conference by the end of the season. However, that's far from a guarantee without the Lakers making a move at the NBA Trade Deadline. Looking at the roster and how the Lakers have performed this season, Christian Wood could be viewed as somewhat of an expendable piece for the team.
Wood was signed in the offseason with the hope that he could emerge as a starter next to Anthony Davis. That hasn't worked out for the Lakers so far. He's not a natural center and AD doesn't like playing the position much. Wood is essentially a backup power forward on a team that has some pretty good depth in the frontcourt.
On a one-year deal, the Lakers don't have a huge connection to Wood and his future. There's a very good chance the two sides end up moving on from each other after the season anyway. Wood is certainly an expendable player at this point for the Lakers.