Lakers Sign Alex Len Amid Roster Changes

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers signed veteran center Alex Len on Tuesday, reinforcing their frontcourt depth after a failed attempt to acquire Charlotte center Mark Williams. The 31-year-old Ukrainian joins the Lakers for his 12th NBA season, filling a gap left by the release of injured center Christian Wood.

The move came just days after Len was part of a three-way trade, which saw him move from the Sacramento Kings to the Washington Wizards. In that trade, the Wizards acquired Marcus Smart, while Len was waived shortly afterward, marking his return to a team he had previously played for during the 2020-21 season.

“We’re excited to welcome Alex back to Los Angeles,” Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka said. “His experience and skill set will provide us with valuable depth as we move through the season.”

Len had initially indicated an intention to sign with the Indiana Pacers after being waived but shifted gears to join the Lakers when they created the opportunity. Thus far in the 2023-24 season, Len has averaged 1.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in 36 games for the Kings.

In an earlier seismic move, the Lakers traded star big man Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Doncic, who scored 14 points in his debut with the team on Monday. This trade left the Lakers with an immediate need for depth in the frontcourt, driving the acquisition of Len.

For his career, Len has played 680 games across five franchises, averaging 6.7 points and 5.3 rebounds while primarily coming off the bench. His versatility and experience are expected to be crucial as the Lakers navigate the remainder of the season.