The Los Angeles Lakers and a handful of businesses are returning money they received from a federal program that was intended to help small companies hurt by the coronavirus pandemic.
Breaking: A 12-year NBA player is reportedly joining the Los Angeles Lakers.
Los Angeles Lakers Sign 12-Year NBA Veteran Alex Len: A Game-Changing Move?
The Los Angeles Lakers have made yet another move in their ongoing effort to strengthen their roster for the remainder of the season. In a surprise development, the Lakers have signed 12-year NBA veteran center Alex Len to bolster their frontcourt depth. This decision follows a failed trade attempt for Charlotte’s Mark Williams and comes as the team looks to make a deep playoff run.
Alex Len’s Journey to the Lakers
Alex Len, a 7-foot center, has been a part of the NBA for over a decade. Drafted 5th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns, Len has since played for multiple teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, and Washington Wizards. While never considered a star player, Len has consistently contributed as a solid role player, known for his rebounding, shot-blocking, and defensive presence.
Len began this season with the Washington Wizards but found himself waived following a multi-team trade that shuffled various players around the league. Initially, reports suggested he might sign with the Indiana Pacers, but when the Pacers chose to sign Jahlil Okafor instead, Len was left searching for a new team. This opened the door for the Lakers, who were in dire need of additional frontcourt support.
Why Did the Lakers Sign Alex Len?
The Lakers’ decision to sign Len stems from multiple factors:
1. Injury and Depth Concerns
Throughout the season, the Lakers have struggled with frontcourt depth due to injuries and inconsistent play. Anthony Davis has been dominant but has also dealt with minor injuries. Meanwhile, backup big men like Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes have not consistently provided the necessary impact off the bench. The Lakers had been exploring options to add a reliable presence in the paint, and Len fits the bill.
2. A Failed Trade Attempt
The Lakers were initially targeting Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams in a trade. However, the deal collapsed during the medical evaluation process, forcing the Lakers to pivot and look elsewhere. With limited options available in the buyout market, the team opted to sign a seasoned veteran like Len, who can contribute immediately.
3. Defensive Presence and Rebounding
One of the key areas where the Lakers have struggled this season is rim protection and rebounding, especially when Anthony Davis is off the floor. Len provides additional size and defensive versatility, giving the Lakers a reliable shot-blocker and interior presence. His career averages of 6.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.0 block per game may not stand out, but his ability to alter shots and set strong screens could prove valuable.
Lakers Make Room by Waiving Christian Wood
To accommodate Len’s signing, the Lakers made the tough decision to waive center Christian Wood. Wood had not yet played in the 2024–2025 season due to injuries and was struggling to find a consistent role in the rotation. While he had been viewed as an offensive-minded big man with floor-spacing ability, his defensive shortcomings and lack of availability made him expendable.
With Wood gone, Len now steps into a critical backup role, providing the team with much-needed size and rim protection.
Impact on the Lakers’ Playoff Aspirations
The Lakers’ decision to sign Len signals their commitment to addressing immediate roster needs. With the Western Conference as competitive as ever, every roster move counts. Here’s how Len’s presence could impact the team moving forward:
1. Complementing Anthony Davis
While Len is not a stretch big like Wood, his ability to defend and rebound allows Anthony Davis to operate more freely in the Lakers’ defensive schemes. Davis has historically thrived alongside traditional bigs who handle the dirty work in the paint, and Len’s role as a physical presence could help lighten AD’s load.
2. Supporting LeBron James in the Final Stretch
LeBron James, despite being in his 21st NBA season, continues to play at an elite level. However, having a reliable supporting cast is crucial as he manages his workload for the playoffs. Len’s experience and ability to contribute solid minutes off the bench will help ensure the team remains competitive even when LeBron is not on the floor.
3. Strengthening the Defense Against Elite Centers
The Western Conference is filled with dominant centers like Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets), Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves), and Deandre Ayton (Portland Trail Blazers). The Lakers need depth in the paint to compete against these formidable big men. Len gives them another option to throw at opposing centers without exhausting Anthony Davis.
Fan and Analyst Reactions
The signing of Alex Len has drawn mixed reactions from Lakers fans and analysts. Some view it as a solid depth move, while others question whether Len is the right piece to help the Lakers make a deep playoff run. Here’s what some experts and fans are saying:
- Positive Reactions: Many believe that Len’s signing is a low-risk, high-reward move. His defensive capabilities and veteran presence provide stability in the paint.
- Skepticism: Critics argue that Len’s offensive game is limited and that the Lakers still need another dynamic scorer to truly contend.
- Optimism: Some fans are hopeful that Len will thrive in the Lakers’ system, especially playing alongside playmakers like LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Lakers?
With Len now in the mix, the Lakers will likely evaluate his performance in the coming games before making further roster adjustments. However, this may not be their final move. The buyout market could present more opportunities for the Lakers to add another piece before the playoffs.
Potential Additional Moves
- Veteran Wing Depth: The Lakers could still look for a veteran 3-and-D wing to improve their perimeter defense.
- Another Backup Big: If Len struggles to find a rhythm, the team might explore adding another center.
- Guard Rotation Adjustments: With the rise of young guards like Austin Reaves, the Lakers may consider tweaking their backcourt rotation.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to sign Alex Len is a calculated move aimed at reinforcing their frontcourt for the stretch run of the season. While Len may not be a game-changer on his own, his presence provides much-needed depth, rebounding, and defensive versatility.
With LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and a strong supporting cast, the Lakers remain focused on making a deep playoff push. Whether or not this move will pay off remains to be seen, but for now, Len’s arrival offers the Lakers another valuable piece as they continue their pursuit of another championship.
