Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] After their trade for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams collapsed, the Los Angeles Lakers have pivoted to another seven-footer.
Shams Charania of ESPN reported Tuesday that the Lakers plan to sign veteran center Alex Len in free agency. Originally set to join the Indiana Pacers, the 31-year-old changed course after L.A.’s failed Williams deal created an opening in the frontcourt.
To make room, the Lakers are reportedly waiving injured big man Christian Wood.
Len, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, has played for multiple teams, most recently spending four seasons with the Sacramento Kings before being traded to Washington in the Marcus Smart deal and subsequently waived. This season, he averaged 1.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in limited minutes for Sacramento.
While Len isn’t a high-upside addition, the Lakers are in dire need of size, currently relying on Jaxson Hayes and Trey Jemison III as their primary centers. After losing out on Williams, L.A. is now settling for an experienced but lower-ceiling option in the former Maryland standout.