Alex Len Signs with the Los Angeles Lakers
Alex Len's recent signing with the Lakers marks a significant turn in his NBA journey.
In a significant turn of events for both Alex Len and the Los Angeles Lakers, the veteran center has officially signed with the team. This move comes on the heels of the Lakers waiving forward/center Christian Wood due to a knee injury, marking a new chapter in Len's NBA career after a stint with the Sacramento Kings.
Recent Developments
Signing with the Lakers
Alex Len, now 31 years old, joins the Lakers after a season with the Sacramento Kings where he played 36 games, averaging 1.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in 7.2 minutes per game. His signing is seen as a strategic move to bolster the Lakers' frontcourt depth, especially following the rescinded trade for Mark Williams, which left the team in need of additional size and experience in the paint.
Waiver of Christian Wood
The Lakers' decision to waive Christian Wood, who had not played this season due to injury, underscores their commitment to reshaping the roster. Wood's absence opened the door for Len, who brings a wealth of experience from his previous teams, including the Phoenix Suns, Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors, and Atlanta Hawks.
Career Overview
Statistics
Len's career statistics reflect his journey through the NBA:
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 680 |
| Starts | 240 |
| Points Average | 6.7 points/game |
| Rebounds Average | 5.3 rebounds/game |
| Minutes Average | 17.1 minutes/game |
| Double-digit Points | 198 times |
| Double-digit Rebounds | 105 outings |
In college, Len showcased his potential with impressive averages of 11.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game over 38 games, which contributed to his selection as the fifth overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns.
Background and Trade History
Despite being a high draft pick, Len's early career was marred by inconsistency and competition from other centers, notably Tyson Chandler during his time with the Suns. Over the years, he has transitioned through several teams, with his most recent choice to join the Lakers coming after an expected signing with the Indiana Pacers fell through.
Perspectives on the Move
Player Insights
Jaxson Hayes, a forward for the Lakers, expressed enthusiasm about playing alongside stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic, describing the experience as "joyful basketball." He noted,
"It was extremely fun tonight. Shoot, Bron had a few lobs. Luka had a few lobs. … I mean, it’s just fun. Like, I feel like the way we’ve been playing, or the whole team’s been playing, that either ball just been moving, and I feel like that’s just joyful basketball. Everyone’s getting to touch, everyone’s getting shots."
This sentiment reflects the positive atmosphere within the Lakers' locker room and the potential for Len to contribute to that dynamic.
Team Strategy
From a team perspective, the Lakers' decision to sign Len indicates a clear strategy to enhance their frontcourt options. With the need for depth following Wood's injury, Len's experience and skill set could prove invaluable as the team navigates the remainder of the season.
Conclusion
Alex Len's signing with the Los Angeles Lakers represents a pivotal moment in his career, offering him a fresh start with a storied franchise. As he integrates into the team, both fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how he can impact the Lakers' quest for success this season.