The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant roster move by signing 7’0″ center Alex Len while waiving Christian Wood. Following an ongoing review of a trade involving Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, the Lakers opted to bolster their frontcourt depth with Len, who offers a more traditional center presence compared to Wood.

Christian Wood, who has yet to play this season due to injuries sustained last February, was a notable but underperforming option for the Lakers. Despite his potential as a floor-spacing big man, the Lakers decided to part ways with him, concluding that his return this season was uncertain. This decision has sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some believing that the team should have pursued alternatives such as Shake Milton or Cam Reddish instead of moving on from Wood.

Len, while not a high-profile name, brings specific strengths to the Lakers. He is recognized for his rebounding capabilities, boasting an average of 11.1 rebounds per 36 minutes throughout his career. Additionally, he has shown decent rim protection s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, although he is not a versatile defender, as he struggles against faster teams that require switching on defense.

Offensively, Len’s contributions may be limited. Historically, he has been a reliable lob threat, particularly when playing alongside high-caliber playmakers like Luka Dončić and LeBron James. However, his three-point shooting, once promising, has diminished over the years, making him less of a spacing threat on the floor.

Overall, the Lakers’ acquisition of Alex Len aims to enhance their size and rebounding in the paint, particularly in matchups against larger teams. While he may not fit every matchup due to his defensive limitations, his traditional s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 set could prove valuable as the Lakers navigate the remainder of the season. Fans will be eager to see how Len integrates into the team’s rotation and what impact he will have on their playoff aspirations.