Lakers Sign Center Alex Len to Fill Roster Spot, Release Christian Wood Following Injury Concerns
The signing of Alex Len offers the Lakers more stability in the center position and gives them a player who can contribute immediately, especially on the defensive end. It’s a pivotal move as the team looks to build chemistry and depth for their playoff push.
Orka Sports Team 
Los Angeles Lakers made a significant move by signing free agent Alex Len to fill a much-needed spot at center on their roster. In a corresponding move, the team waived forward/center Christian Wood,who had struggled to get on the court this season after undergoing knee surgery during the offseason.
The Lakers had been actively pursuing a center leading up to the February 6 trade deadline and initially looked to acquire Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets. However, that deal fell through after Williams failed his physical.
In another big move earlier in the season, the Lakers had traded All-Star center Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks as part of a blockbuster deal that brought in All-Star guard Luka Doncic. With Davis no longer in the fold, the Lakers were left needing more depth at center, prompting them to sign Len.
Len, 31, has had a varied career in the NBA, playing for several teams over the years. This season, he was with the Sacramento Kings, where he averaged 1.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 7.2 minutes per game in 36 appearances, including three starts. After being involved in a multi-team trade at the deadline, Len was sent to the Washington Wizards as part of a deal that also involved Marcus Smart moving to Washington and Marvin Bagley and Johnny Davis heading to the Memphis Grizzlies. However, the Wizards waived Len shortly after, and the Lakers quickly swooped in to secure him.
Over the course of his career, Len has accumulated career averages of 6.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 17.1 minutes per game across 680 NBA games (240 starts). He has played for several teams, including the Phoenix Suns (2013-2018), Atlanta Hawks (2018-2020), Sacramento Kings (2020, 2021-2025), Toronto Raptors (2020-2021), and the Washington Wizards (2021).
The Suns originally drafted Len as the 5th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, and although he hasn’t become a star, he has provided valuable depth in the frontcourt throughout his career. His defensive prowess, especially in rim protection and rebounding, makes him a solid fit for the Lakers' needs.
On the flip side, Christian Wood, who had been with the Lakers since the previous season, has had a challenging year. After undergoing knee surgery during the offseason, Wood has yet to appear in a game this season. Last year, he averaged 6.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assist in 50 games, with one start.
Over his career, Wood has played for several teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte Hornets, Milwaukee Bucks, New Orleans Pelicans, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and the Lakers. Despite his promising career numbers, with averages of 13.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 339 career games, Wood’s recent injuries and inconsistent playing time led the Lakers to decide to part ways with him.
