Lakers Most Likely To Waive Two Players; Guard And Center In Trouble

Los Angeles eyes key roster moves, with Reddish and Len likely cuts as playoffs approach.

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Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to make roster adjustments before the end of the season, with Cam Reddish and Alex Len reportedly the most likely candidates to be waived. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers are considering waiving at least one player, potentially two, as they look to optimize their roster for the playoffs. 

“Technically, the Lakers can waive multiple players, but I don’t see them waiving more than 2. And if it’s 2, I would say it’s probably going to be Cam Reddish and Alex Len. Realistically, if they wave someone, it’s likely going to be Cam.” 

“If they waive a second player, it would likely be Alex Len, because again, Shake Milton, they have some flexibility there with throwing him into trades down the line. The other 11 players don’t make any sense to waive.” 

“I think it really comes down to Reddish and Len, and more likely Reddish than Len. They can technically cut Cam at any point until the final day of the regular season.”

At the same time, there is growing speculation that Jordan Goodwin, who has impressed in his short time with the team, could be converted from a two-way contract to a standard deal to ensure his playoff eligibility.

Alex Len, signed by the Lakers on February 11, has struggled to make any meaningful impact. The veteran center has played in just three games, averaging 1.3 points and 3.0 rebounds in 11.7 minutes per game. 

His lack of production and limited role make him a prime candidate to be released, especially with the Lakers needing more flexibility in their rotation. Given that Len was a late addition, his departure wouldn’t disrupt team chemistry much, and the Lakers might prefer to invest in a more effective backup big.

Cam Reddish, on the other hand, has been with the Lakers since 2023 but has failed to establish himself as a reliable contributor. In 31 games this season, he is averaging 3.3 points and 2.0 rebounds while shooting an underwhelming 43.0% from the field and just 28.0% from three-point range. 

While Reddish possesses intriguing size and athleticism, his inconsistency and lack of production have made him expendable. With the emergence of other wing players, Reddish has seen his role diminished, and Buha believes he is the most likely player to be cut.

Meanwhile, Jordan Goodwin has made a strong case for himself in just six games with the team. The guard is averaging 6.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.2 steals in 16.9 minutes per game while shooting 52.5% from the field and 31.0% from deep. 

His defensive intensity, hustle, and energy on both ends of the floor have impressed the coaching staff. JJ Redick has said that he will be part of the Lakers rotation going forward. If the Lakers decide to convert his contract into a standard deal, it would allow him to be playoff-eligible, further solidifying his future with the team.

While the Lakers are exploring potential moves, they are not in a rush to make a decision. The team is currently operating under the second apron of the luxury tax, meaning they can only waive one player and sign one at this moment. However, later in the season, when prorated contracts become more affordable, they could waive additional players if needed.

Veteran forward Markieff Morris is another player who was mentioned in discussions, but he is expected to remain with the team due to his leadership and presence in the locker room. Buha compared Morris to a “Udonis Haslem-type figure,” indicating that while his on-court role may be limited, his influence among teammates—especially stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic—is highly valued.

The Lakers, currently 37-21 and fourth in the Western Conference, have won 17 of their last 21 games and are one of the hottest teams in the league. With just a game separating them from the second-seeded Denver Nuggets, they are in prime position for a strong postseason push. 

As the team continues to build momentum, optimizing the roster for a deep playoff run will be a key focus for the front office. Whether they ultimately part ways with one or both of Len and Reddish remains to be seen, but changes seem inevitable as the season progresses.

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Vishwesha Kumar is a staff writer for Fadeaway World from Bengaluru, India. Graduating with a Bachelor of Technology from PES University in 2020, Vishwesha leverages his analytical skills to enhance his sports journalism, particularly in basketball. His experience includes writing over 3000 articles across respected publications such as Essentially Sports and Sportskeeda, which have established him as a prolific figure in the sports writing community.Vishwesha’s love for basketball was ignited by watching LeBron James, inspiring him to delve deeply into the nuances of the game. This personal passion translates into his writing, allowing him to connect with readers through relatable narratives and insightful analyses. He holds a unique and controversial opinion that Russell Westbrook is often underrated rather than overrated. Despite Westbrook's flaws, Vishwesha believes that his triple-double achievements and relentless athleticism are often downplayed, making him one of the most unique and electrifying players in NBA history, even if his style of play can sometimes be polarizing. 
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