The Los Angeles Lakers have struck a deal to bolster their frontcourt depth by signing veteran center Alex Len, as the team announced on Tuesday. This move follows the decision to waive forward/center Christian Wood, who has been sidelined this season due to knee surgery.
Len, who stands at 7 feet tall and weighs 250 pounds, joins the Lakers at the age of 31 after previously playing for the Sacramento Kings during the current season. Despite having limited playing time, he participated in 36 games for the Kings, averaging 1.4 points and 1.8 rebounds over 7.2 minutes of play. His experience also includes stints with multiple NBA teams, demonstrating his capability and versatility on the court.
The Lakers made this decision as they navigate through roster adjustments following their trade of All-Star center Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks. This seismic deal brought talented guard Luka Dončić to Los Angeles, which significantly altered the team’s dynamics. The Lakers initially sought to add more depth to their frontcourt and had targeted Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams. Unfortunately, the trade for Williams fell through due to health issues—he failed to pass the physical examination, leaving the Lakers searching for alternatives.
Len’s signing arrives at a pivotal moment for the Lakers, who currently hold a record of 32-19, sitting fourth in the Western Conference. They are riding high on momentum after winning six consecutive games, the latest being against the Utah Jazz, where newly acquired star Dončić made his debut.
Christian Wood, who was waived, had signed with the Lakers on September 6, 2023, but he did not play this season as he continued his recovery from offseason surgery. Last season, he averaged 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds across 50 regular-season appearances. His absence provided the Lakers with the opportunity to sign Len, who now joins Jaxson Hayes as the team's primary options at center.
Upon joining the Lakers, Len expressed eagerness about the opportunity to play alongside superstars like LeBron James and Luka Dončić. Playing with such elite athletes creates promising scenarios for easy scoring opportunities. Jaxson Hayes, currently sharing the center position, remarked on the recent playing style, stating, "It was extremely fun tonight. Shoot, Bron had a few lobs. Luka had a few lobs. … I mean, it’s just fun." This statement not only highlights the excitement within the team but also hints at the strategic planning taking place as they maximize their roster's talents.
Len, who was originally drafted by the Phoenix Suns with the fifth overall pick in 2013, has had experience across various NBA teams and now aims to make his mark with the Lakers. He has career averages of 6.7 points and 5.3 rebounds across 680 career games, which demonstrates his potential impact on the floor, particularly as the team gears up for the playoffs.
Even though the Lakers had hoped to secure Mark Williams as part of their frontcourt revitalization efforts, adding Len is still seen as beneficial considering his size and experience. The integration of Len alongside Dončić and James opens new playmaking possibilities, especially as the Lakers strive to build chemistry leading to the All-Star break.
With the imminent commencement of the All-Star break, the Lakers are focusing on solidifying their team strategy. The addition of Len is more than just filling the gap left by Wood, as it signifies the Lakers' commitment to optimizing their chances for success this season.
The front office's decision to sign Len amid such rapid changes reflects the urgency to adapt and strengthen the team post-Davis trade. While Len may not possess the same scoring prowess anticipated with Williams, his size offers substantial defensive capabilities, allowing the team to pursue traditional routes instead of relying heavily on small-ball tactics.
Looking forward, the Lakers are excited about the possibilities Len's addition brings, and fans are eager to see how efficiently he will mesh with the established core of the team. The dynamics of having superstars like Dončić and James, complemented by Len's presence, raises optimism surrounding Los Angeles' playoff aspirations as they look to secure valuable wins leading up to the postseason.