The latest addition to the LA Lakers is a 7-foot seasoned center with extensive experience.
While the Lakers may be banking on Luka Donฤiฤ, they’ve also made a significant move by signing veteran center Alex Len, adding considerable height to their lineup.
They hope that Len will bring strong rim protection and serve as a reliable lob threat on offense. By utilizing Len’s height and experience, the team aims to enhance their performance on both ends of the court.
So, what does Len offer, and why did the Lakers choose him?
Alex Len came into the NBA with big expectations after being selected fifth overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2013 draft.
Throughout his 12-year journey in the league, he has suited up for five different teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, and Washington Wizards.
Len has been a dependable role player throughout his career, even though he has never been a standout star.
Over 680 regular-season games, he has averaged 6.7 points and 5.3 rebounds each game. His most productive season came in 2018-19 with the Hawks. There he set a career-high by averaging 11.1 points per game.
The contract details have not been confirmed yet. Last year, he rejoined the Sacramento Kings on a one-year contract worth $3.3 million.
Here’s the official statement released by the Lakers:
The Los Angeles Lakers have signed center Alex Len. In a related move, the team waived forward/center Christian Wood.
Len (7โ0โ, 250) most recently suited up for the Sacramento Kings this season, appearing in 36 games (three starts) and averaging 1.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in 7.2 minutes.
The 31-year-old has seen action in 680 career NBA games (240 starts) across 12 seasons with Sacramento (2021-25, 2019-20), Washington (2020-21), Toronto (2020-21), Atlanta (2018-20) and Phoenix (2013-18), averaging 6.7 points and 5.3 rebounds in 17.1 minutes.
Len has scored in double figures 198 times throughout his career and has grabbed double-digit rebounds in 105 outings.
The Ukraine native played two collegiate seasons at the University of Maryland (2011-13). As a sophomore, Len appeared in 38 games (37 starts) and averaged 11.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 2.1 blocks in 26.4 minutes.
Wood originally signed with the Lakers Sept. 6, 2023, and appeared in 50 regular season games (one start) during the 2023-24 season, averaging 6.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 17.4 minutes.
Lakers fans might not see Alex Len’s signing as the big move they wanted, but it’s a wise, low-risk choice that fills a specific need. As the season goes on, everyone will watch to see how Len fits into the team and if he can aid the Lakers in making a strong playoff push.
