Although the NBA trade deadline has come and gone, that hasn't stopped the Los Angeles Lakers in their efforts to build around superstars Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
Mark Williams' failed physical and subsequent trade reversal back to Charlotte had left the Lakers short of a much-needed rim protector, however it appears the 17-time champions have found their centre, signing free agent and former Sacramento King Alex Len.
Len is a seven-foot Ukrainian international who is averaging 1.4 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.8 assists in his 7.2 minutes per game this season, and over the course of his 12 years in the NBA has a career average of 6.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 17.1 minutes per game.
In the process of opening up a roster spot for Len, the Lakers opted to waive injury-riddled power forward Christian Wood. Wood had failed to make a single appearance across the Lakers' 2024/2025 campaign after undergoing an extensive knee operation during the off-season.
The move to acquire Len may not be the most thrilling of recent times however is no doubt a necessary manoeuvre, as the 31-year-old provides some much-needed assistance to an otherwise limited frontcourt brigade.
Len becomes just the third seven-footer on the Lakers roster, joining Jaxson Hayes and Christian Koloko in the exclusive club.
Len had originally looked set to join the Indiana Pacers but changed course once the Lakers rescinded the Mark Williams deal.
With most of their pieces now in check, it'll be an intriguing watch to see how the Lakers fare come playoff time. The Lakers currently sit fourth in the Western Conference with a healthy win/loss record of 32-19.
