Lakers sign free-agent center Alex Len to bolster frontcourt depth after failed trade

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers signed veteran free-agent center Alex Len on Tuesday to bolster their frontcourt depth after their failed attempt to acquire Charlotte center Mark Williams.

To make room on the roster for the 31-year-old Ukrainian in his 12th NBA season, Los Angeles waived injured center Christian Wood.

Len was traded from Sacramento to Washington last week as part of the multi-team deal sending Marcus Smart to the Wizards. Washington subsequently waived Len, who played for the Wizards during the 2020-21 season before joining the Kings as a free agent.

Len was reported to be signing with the Indiana Pacers after being waived, but the Lakers swooped in to add a much-needed backup center. Los Angeles traded star big man Anthony Davis to Dallas earlier this month in the seismic deal for Luka Doncic, who scored 14 points in his Lakers debut Monday.

Los Angeles traded rookie Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish to Charlotte last week in a deal for Williams, the imposing center who has missed far more games than he has played in three NBA seasons due to injuries. The Lakers then rescinded the trade last Saturday because Williams failed his physical.

The 7-foot Len isn't much of an offensive threat, but he can provide minutes and stability behind Jaxson Hayes, the Lakers' new starting center. Len is joining his sixth NBA team since 2018.

Wood missed a golden opportunity for significant playing time with the Lakers because of injuries over the past two seasons. He has not played at all this season after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.

The NBA veteran and Long Beach native missed the final two months of last season following left knee surgery, and he needed surgery on the knee again last September after getting hurt in a workout.

Los Angeles has won six straight and 12 of its last 14. The Lakers visit Utah on Wednesday night for their final game before the All-Star break.

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