Who is Alex Len, the new LA Lakers center? Career stats, contract details...
The Lakers have been making plenty headlines with recent moves and another addition to their roster sees them bring in a veteran center with years of experience.
Luka Doncic may be the man that the Los Angeles Lakers have hung their vest on, but another move has just been announced, namely the signing of veteran center Alex Len. That adds a 7-foot presence to their roster.
The Ukrainian-born big man, who has spent over a decade in the NBA, brings a wealth of experience and size to a Lakers team looking to solidify its frontcourt. But what exactly does Len bring to the table, and why did the Lakers make this move?
OFFICIAL: Alex Len, Laker. pic.twitter.com/THGFSYWhQ7
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 11, 2025
Alex Len in the NBA: from top pick to journeyman
Len entered the league with high expectations as the fifth overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, selected by the Phoenix Suns. Over his 12-year career, he’s played for five teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, and Washington Wizards.
While he’s never been a star, Len has been a reliable role player, averaging 6.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game across 680 regular-season appearances. His best season came in 2018-19 with the Hawks, where he posted a career-high 11.1 points per game.
This was the statement from the Lakers:
The Los Angeles Lakers have signed center Alex Len. In a related move, the team waived forward/center
Christian Wood. Len (7′0″, 250) most recently suited up for the Sacramento Kings this season, appearing in 36 games (three starts) and averaging 1.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in 7.2 minutes. The 31-year-old has seen action in 680 career NBA games (240 starts) across 12 seasons with Sacramento (2021-25, 2019-20), Washington (2020-21), Toronto (2020-21), Atlanta (2018-20) and Phoenix (2013-18), averaging 6.7 points and 5.3 rebounds in 17.1 minutes. Len has scored in double figures 198 times throughout his career and has grabbed double-digit rebounds in 105 outings.
The Ukraine native played two collegiate seasons at the University of Maryland (2011-13). As a sophomore, Len appeared in 38 games (37 starts) and averaged 11.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 2.1 blocks in 26.4 minutes.
Wood originally signed with the Lakers Sept. 6, 2023, and appeared in 50 regular season games (one start) during the 2023-24 season, averaging 6.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 17.4 minutes.
No details on contract information have yet been made official. When he returned to the Sacramento Kings on a one-year deal last year he was said to be on $3.3 million.
For Lakers fans, the signing of Alex Len might not be the blockbuster move they were hoping for, but it’s a smart, low-risk addition that addresses a clear need. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Len integrates into the lineup and whether he can help the Lakers make a deep playoff run.
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