Lakers Sign Free Agent Center Alex Len After Mark Williams Trade Falls Through

The Los Angeles Lakers signed veteran free-agent center Alex Len on Tuesday to strengthen their frontcourt depth after failing to acquire Charlotte’s Mark Williams.

To clear a roster spot for the 31-year-old Ukrainian, now in his 12th NBA season, the Lakers waived injured center Christian Wood.

Len was recently traded from Sacramento to Washington as part of the multi-team deal that sent Marcus Smart to the Wizards. However, Washington waived Len shortly after, despite his previous stint with the team during the 2020-21 season before joining the Kings as a free agent.

OFFICIAL: Alex Len, Laker. pic.twitter.com/THGFSYWhQ7

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 11, 2025

Initially expected to sign with the Indiana Pacers, Len instead landed with the Lakers, who were in need of a backup center following their blockbuster trade of Anthony Davis to Dallas in exchange for Luka Dončić. Dončić made his Lakers debut Monday, scoring 14 points.

Wood, who signed with Los Angeles on Sept. 6, 2023, appeared in 50 regular-season games (one start) in the 2023-24 campaign, averaging 6.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 17.4 minutes per game.