Lakers sign Alex Len, waive Christian Wood after failed trade

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed veteran center Alex Len and waived forward Christian Wood, the team announced Tuesday.

Len, who most recently played for the Sacramento Kings, is expected to wear No. 27 for the Lakers.

Len, 31, has appeared in 680 career NBA games (240 starts) across 12 seasons, averaging 6.7 points and 5.3 rebounds in 17.1 minutes per game.

This season with the Kings, he played in 36 games (three starts), contributing 1.4 points and 1.8 rebounds per game. The Ukraine native was initially expected to sign with the Indiana Pacers before the Lakers' opportunity arose.

The move comes after the Lakers’ trade for center Mark Williams was rescinded due to medical concerns. With the team thin in the frontcourt, Len is expected to compete with Jaxson Hayes for minutes.

In a corresponding move, the Lakers waived Wood, who had not played this season due to a knee injury.

Wood, 29, signed with Los Angeles in September 2023 and appeared in 50 games last season, averaging 6.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assist in 17.4 minutes per game.

Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka acknowledged the team’s need for depth following the failed Williams trade. 

Len’s addition provides Los Angeles with a traditional center to complement their current rotation, though the Lakers have increasingly relied on small-ball lineups featuring LeBron James, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Rui Hachimura at the five.

Len’s playing time will likely depend on matchups against dominant big men or foul trouble for Hayes.

Reacting to his release, Wood tweeted, “Progressing.. I’ll be back soon.”

The Lakers now have flexibility to make further roster moves, including upgrading Jordan Goodwin, Christian Koloko, or Trey Jemison III to a full contract or exploring additional free-agent signings.

With Len onboard, Los Angeles moves forward with two true centers while maintaining versatility in their frontcourt for the playoff push.