Lakers Officially Sign Alex Len, Waive Christian Wood

The team later confirmed the move in a press release.

Len, who was waived by the Washington Wizards on Saturday, had initially planned to join the Indiana Pacers after clearing waivers. However, he pivoted to Los Angeles following the Lakers’ decision to rescind their trade-deadline deal for Hornets center Mark Williams.

As noted by Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star, Len would have served as the third center in Indiana, behind Myles Turner and Thomas Bryant. In Los Angeles, however, Len will have the chance to compete for the primary backup role behind Jaxson Hayes, a position that has become more crucial after the Lakers traded Anthony Davis to Dallas in the Luka Doncic blockbuster.

Len, 31, has been a limited contributor over the past three-and-a-half seasons with the Sacramento Kings, averaging 3.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in 10.0 minutes per game across 149 career outings (15 starts). The former No. 5 overall pick was traded to Washington ahead of last Thursday’s trade deadline.

To make room for Len, the Lakers have waived center Christian Wood — who has yet to play this season following knee surgery and has dealt with multiple procedures on his left knee in 2024. In his first season with the Lakers in 2023-24, Wood averaged 6.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 50 games.

With the Lakers currently sitting about $1.6 million below their second-apron hard cap, Len’s signing will reduce that margin, but the team will still have enough flexibility to add another player if an opportunity arises. Cam Reddish is viewed as the most likely player to be waived if the Lakers pursue additional reinforcements.