The Los Angeles Lakers continue to search for frontcourt reinforcements after the failed Mark Williams trade, and their latest target may be veteran center Alex Len. Initially expected to sign with the Indiana Pacers, Len is now back on the free-agent market after the Pacers decided to go in a different direction, signing Jahlil Okafor to a 10-day contract instead.
This unexpected development has opened the door for the Lakers, who need a reliable big man to help anchor their defense and provide depth behind Jaxson Hayes.
The Pacers were initially set to sign Len, but according to Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star, they instead opted for Okafor. This decision means Len remains available, making him an attractive option for teams seeking frontcourt depth. According to NBA insider Keith Smith, the Lakers could now emerge as a landing spot for the veteran center:
“Alex Len was ticketed for the Pacers, but a role with more playing time (and potentially more than the prorated veteran minimum) may have opened up with the Lakers after the rescinded trade. Something to keep an eye on. Len also wouldn’t have to leave the West Coast that way.”
Len, 31, has played a limited role for the Kings this season, averaging just 1.4 points and 1.8 rebounds per game while shooting 53.7% from the field. However, his best season came in 2018-19 with the Atlanta Hawks, where he posted 11.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and shot 36.3% from three-point range.
While he is far from the player he was in his prime, Len could still fill a necessary role for the Lakers as a backup center who provides size and interior defense.
Another name that had been linked to the Lakers was Larry Nance Jr., who would have been an ideal target due to his versatility. Nance can catch lobs, stretch the floor, and defend multiple positions, making him an excellent fit alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
This season, Nance is averaging 8.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while shooting 51.6% from the field and an impressive 44.7% from three-point range. His ability to play both power forward and center would have given the Lakers a dynamic option in their frontcourt.
But, according to Sam Vecenie of The Athletic, a buyout seems highly unlikely, as Atlanta Hawks coach Quin Snyder is a big fan of Nance and wants to keep him in the rotation. With the Hawks still in play-in contention, it makes sense for them to hold onto Nance rather than let him go to a contender for nothing.
The Lakers are currently surging, sitting at 32-19, fourth in the Western Conference, and just 2.5 games behind the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies. They recently added Luka Doncic, who had a decent debut, and are riding a six-game winning streak, most recently securing a dominant 132-113 victory over the Utah Jazz.
While the team has been thriving, the lack of frontcourt depth remains a concern. With Anthony Davis traded, the Lakers have been relying heavily on Jaxson Hayes as their primary big man, with Christian Wood still sidelined due to knee surgery. The team’s only other options include two-way players Christian Koloko and Trey Jemison III, neither of whom have extensive NBA experience.
The Lakers need a reliable center who can provide defensive presence, rebounding, and size, especially against Western Conference contenders like the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, and Oklahoma City Thunder. With Larry Nance Jr. unlikely to be bought out, Alex Len emerges as one of the best available options.
As the Lakers look for big-man depth, Luka Doncic’s arrival has already made an impact. In his first game in a Lakers uniform, Doncic contributed 14 points, 5 rebounds, and four assists in the Lakers’ blowout win over the Jazz.
With Larry Nance Jr. unlikely to hit the buyout market, the Lakers must turn to other options. Alex Len presents a viable solution, offering size, rebounding, and experience at a time when the team desperately needs it.
The Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, has been aggressive in improving the roster, first acquiring Doncic and then attempting to trade for Mark Williams. Now that Williams is no longer an option, Pelinka will need to act quickly to secure a backup center before the playoff push intensifies.
If the Lakers can land Len, it would be a low-risk, high-reward move to help solidify their interior defense. As the Western Conference race tightens, the Lakers will need all the reinforcements they can get to ensure they remain in contention for a deep playoff run.
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