The Los Angeles Lakers knew they had a big man problem after the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade, and wasted no time to address it.
After the Mark Williams trade collapsed, the Lakers signed free agent big man Alex Len in hopes of addressing their frontcourt woes.
OFFICIAL: Alex Len, Laker.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 11, 2025
LA waived Christian Wood, who is yet to play for the squad while rehabbing from offseason knee surgery, to open up a roster spot to sign Len.
Thank you, CWood 💛
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 12, 2025
The move was expected considering the Lakers lost their top big man in Anthony Davis in a blockbuster trade to acquire Luka Doncic before the trade deadline.
[ALSO READ: Luka Doncic to the Lakers as Los Angeles officially completes blockbuster deal]
It also didn’t help that their pursuit to get Charlotte Hornets’ Mark Williams via trade got rescinded due to failed physicals.
To acquire Williams, the Lakers would have sent rookie Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, along with a 2031 unprotected first-round pick and a 2030 pick swap to the Hornets.
[ALSO READ: Reports: Lakers-Hornets trade centered on Williams, Knecht rescinded]
Len provides the much-needed help for the Lakers’ already thin frontline, sharing the center alongside Jaxson Hayes. They are now riding a six-game winning streak and is at the fourth spot in loaded Western Conference at 32-19.
The 31-year-old averaged 1.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in 36 games this season with the Sacramento Kings.
