The LA Lakers are back in the spotlight as they navigate roster changes and potential upgrades following the significant trade of Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Anthony Davis. With Davis gone, the Lakers are actively searching for a solution at the center position. Their previous attempt to acquire Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets fell through due to a failed physical.

With the trade deadline passed, the Lakers are now looking at the buyout market, where Dwight Howard's name has emerged as a possible target. Howard, who hasn't played in the NBA since 2022, has remained active overseas and expressed his readiness for a return. Alongside Howard, former Sixer Jahlil Okafor was also mentioned as a candidate. Ultimately, the Lakers secured Alex Len from the Washington Wizards, aiming to stabilize their frontcourt for the remainder of the season.

The Los Angeles Lakers faced a critical roster gap following the trade of Anthony Davis to the Mavericks, which brought Luka Doncic to Los Angeles. With an immediate need for a center, the Lakers pursued Mark Williams but withdrew after he failed his physical. This left them with Jaxson Hayes as the starter and Alex Len as the backup after he chose to sign with the Lakers over the Indiana Pacers. Len's decision was influenced by the promise of more playing time and the Lakers' title aspirations alongside stars like Doncic and LeBron James.

Len's role will likely involve 10-15 minutes per game, significantly more than he would have received in Indiana after Myles Turner returns from injury. While Len may offer better rim protection, his rebounding is a concern compared to Thomas Bryant, who previously played for the Lakers. This overall adjustment is crucial as the Lakers aim for a strong playoff push amid their recent challenges.

The Los Angeles Lakers have officially signed Alex Len in a bid to bolster their frontline after the team faced significant depth issues at center. With Anthony Davis sidelined and the rescinded trade for Mark Williams, Jaxson Hayes was left as the only center on the active roster. The 31-year-old Len, who has had a lackluster season with the Sacramento Kings, brings experience in his 12th NBA season. He averaged just 1.4 points and 1.8 rebounds across 36 games, but playing alongside stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic could revitalize his scoring potential. The Lakers made room for Len by waiving Christian Wood, further showcasing their desperation for a reliable big man.

The Los Angeles Lakers have strengthened their frontcourt by signing veteran big man Alex Len, previously with the Sacramento Kings. The move comes after Jaxson Hayes emerged as the team's only center following the release of Christian Wood due to ongoing recovery from knee surgery. Len, who stands 7 feet tall and weighs 250 pounds, will play a key backup role, especially after the Lakers withdrew their trade for Mark Williams. Despite limited playing time recently, Len's experience, having averaged 6.7 points and 5.3 rebounds over his career, could be an asset.

During the current season, Len has not been a major contributor, averaging just 1.4 points and 1.8 rebounds. However, his addition allows the Lakers to maintain depth in the center position, enabling more versatile lineups. Meanwhile, Hayes has thrived in the starting role, contributing significantly as the team looks to maintain its winning streak. The Lakers will also continue to explore small-ball strategies with players like Dorian Finney-Smith and Rui Hachimura stepping in as center options.

The Los Angeles Lakers have made a strategic move by signing veteran center Alex Len following their unsuccessful pursuit of Mark Williams from Charlotte. With Len joining the roster, the Lakers waived injured center Christian Wood, who has struggled with knee issues. This acquisition aims to solidify the Lakers' frontcourt, especially after trading star Anthony Davis to Dallas for Luka Doncic earlier in the month. Len, while not an offensive powerhouse, brings necessary depth behind starting center Jaxson Hayes.

Despite Len’s recent waiver from Washington after a trade from Sacramento, he represents a solid backup option with experience spanning six NBA teams since 2018. The Lakers are riding high with six consecutive wins and hope to maintain momentum as they approach the All-Star break.