The Los Angeles Lakers aren’t just stacking All-Stars—they’re making smart, calculated moves to balance out their roster. After shocking the league by trading for Luka Dončić, the focus has shifted to solidifying the frontcourt. Enter Alex Len, the veteran center who was recently waived by the Wizards. While not as flashy a name as Dončić, Len could be exactly what the Lakers need: a dependable big man with experience, defensive grit, and size you can’t teach.

But what’s the story with Alex Len beyond his Lakers role? You’ve seen him bounce from team to team, but it’s his salary history that tells the real story of his NBA journey—one of steady growth, resilience, and persistence. Let’s take a closer look at how the Ukrainian big man built his career and his bank account in the league.

How much did Alex Len earn from the NBA?

Alex Len’s NBA journey has been interesting, but he did make some records when he entered. Since being selected fifth overall in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns, he has played for several teams, each offering new challenges and opportunities. However, as a Ukrainian-born player, he made history by being the highest-selected player in his country in the history of the NBA. His debut in the league marked the beginning of a path filled with ups and downs, yet he managed to carve out a solid career.

During his time with the Suns, Len’s early years were a test of patience. He struggled with consistency, but his raw potential as a center, standing at 7 feet tall, was always visible. In his first season, he earned a salary of $3.49 million, and over the years, his earnings grew. Despite a slow start, he was determined to prove himself. By the 2017–2018 season, he was making over $4.18 million with the Suns. Now, this was a testament to his steady development, but it wasn’t easy for him. As with many young players, there were growing pains.

He was often seen as a project, someone with untapped potential, who needed time to refine his skills. The Suns recognized his defensive upside, but still had doubts about his offensive capabilities. However, Len never gave up on improving. Over time, he became known for his ability to block shots and protect the rim, an essential trait for any center in the league. But, then arrived a trade.

In the 2018-2019 season, Len moved on to the Atlanta Hawks, where his role was more defined. He played a significant part in the team’s rotation, earning $4.35 million. Now, this salary rise was huge. While the Hawks’ rebuild was still ongoing, Len’s presence in the paint helped anchor their defense. He continued to improve, but his time with the Hawks was finished.

In 2019, the hooper found himself with the Sacramento Kings. His salary with the Kings peaked at $4.16 million during the first season with them. This showed the team saw value in his size and shot-blocking abilities. He was known for his gritty play and ability to alter shots, something that proved vital as the Kings pushed for a playoff spot. Yes, there was a turning point.

Len has a season with the Toronto Raptors, 2020-21, with the team signing him to a $2.25 million contract. His time there was limited, but it was a new challenge, which ended in another trade. By midseason, he was traded to the Washington Wizards, where he continued his role as a reliable center off the bench. Despite limited playing time, his defensive presence remained valuable. In total, Len earned $1.71 million with the Wizards, and his tenure with them was a short but necessary experience.

But it seems like the ‘Beam Team’ wasn’t done with him just yet.

He was back in Sacramento in 2021. By the 2021-2022 season, he earned $3.73 million. Now, this was just a decent salary for a player in his role. The Kings had seen improvement, and Len’s contributions were key in providing depth at center. Throughout his career with the Kings, he continued to be a dependable player. And his salary did, too.

By the time 2022-2023 rolled around, he was making $3.91 million, cementing his place as a reliable veteran in the NBA. Throughout his career, Len earned a total of $43.28 million in salary, per HoopsHype.com. These numbers represent a well-rounded career for a player who might not always have been the star but has remained a consistent and valuable asset to each team he’s played for.

As he approaches the next stage of his career, it’s clear that he’s earned his place in the NBA. Although having been waived by Washington after being traded in a multi-team deal, Alex Len now finds himself among some of the basketball’s greats in the Lakers dynasty.

Len’s path may not have been the most glamorous, but it’s been effective. With his earnings over the years, he has proven that sometimes persistence and steady development are just as valuable as raw talent.