The Lakers knew they had a problem, and they’re not ignoring it. Before the Lakers-Jazz game, Rob Pelinka spoke out, making it clear the front office is working on a solution after the trade mishap at center. Their trade for Mark Williams fell apart when team doctors flagged his physical. Dave McMenamin of ESPN mentioned, “Williams failed not because of the back injury that sidelined him most of last season, but because of multiple other issues of concern, sources said.”

This issue left them with a roster hole and, even worse, a frontcourt that was way too thin. So, they moved fast. On Tuesday, L.A. picked up seven-footer Alex Len after he cleared waivers. At 31, he’s not some flashy signing, but he’s exactly what they needed—a big body who can rebound and hold his own against teams like the Nuggets and Mavericks.

Of course, that meant someone had to go. Christian Wood, who hadn’t played a single minute this season due to injury (also went through offseason knee surgery), was the odd man out. But last season, he averaged 6.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 17.4 minutes in 50 games (one start). The Lakers waived him to make space, and just like that, Len became their new option in the paint for the playoff push.

Reacting to this news, Wood tweeted, “Progressing.. I’ll be back soon .” Tough break for the 29-year-old forward.

If the Lakers lock in Len on a veteran minimum, they’ve got some interesting moves they can make. One option? Waiving a player to clear space and upgrading Jordan Goodwin, Christian Koloko, or Trey Jemison III to a full NBA contract so they can suit up for the playoffs. Or, they could go a different route and bring in a fresh free agent. Either way, L.A. isn’t out of options just yet.

The Lakers had added some much-needed backcourt depth, signing Jordan Goodwin to a two-way contract. He’s been grinding his way through the league since going undrafted in 2021. The 6’5” guard out of Saint Louis University has already spent time with the Wizards and Grizzlies, proving he can hold his own. Now, he’s got a shot in LA, where guard depth has been a real issue. If they want, the Lakers might sign him to a full-time contract if he showcases his defensive and playmaking abilities.

But for now, how do the Lakers look with Len now in the mix with Christian Hayes?

Top Comment by ROCRAJO

Wood’s availability is an issue. They needed a sturdy option. If Len is more reliable than the 2 two way...more

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Debate

What to expect from Alex Len as Christian Wood is waived off?

The Lakers are sticking with just two legit centers on their roster—Jaxson Hayes and now Alex Len. But let’s be real, they’ve been all-in on small-ball lately. Instead of relying on traditional bigs, they’ve been throwing guys like Jarred Vanderbilt, Dorian Finney-Smith, LeBron James, and Rui Hachimura into the mix at center.

That’s not changing anytime soon. Len isn’t about to shake up the rotation—he’ll probably only get minutes if Hayes racks up fouls or they’re up against a dominant big man.

Len has been more of a seat-filler than a game-changer these past few years. At 31, he hasn’t been a key piece of a rotation for a while, averaging under 10 minutes a night as Domantas Sabonis’ backup in Sacramento. His career numbers? Nothing crazy—6.7 points on 51% shooting, 5.3 boards, and just under a block in 17.1 minutes. If you were hoping for a major impact, don’t hold your breath.

Further, the Lakers and Kings won’t clash this season. So Alex Len won’t be back to Sacramento in the near future.

Len’s season took a wild turn—started with the Kings, got traded to the Wizards, then got waived. Before all that, he barely made an impact in Sacramento, averaging 1.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists over 36 games. But let’s be honest, landing in LA is a major upgrade. Playing next to LeBron James and Luka Doncic? That’s a dream setup for a big man.

Just ask Jaxson Hayes. In Doncic’s first game, he couldn’t stop raving about how easy those two superstars made his job. Len should be in for the same kind of ride. What do you think?