The Los Angeles Lakers traded for Luka Doncic and granted his request of (almost) acquiring a lob threat, except that trade never went through. The front office sent Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2030 swap, and their 2031 first-round pick to the Hornets for Mark Williams in an aggressive move.
Fans spent two days dreaming about Luka throwing lobs to Williams before learning that the trade was rescinded because the center failed LA's physical exam. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the exam showed "multiple issues," but it's still unclear what those issues were.
The Lakers couldn't trade for another center because the deadline had passed two days before. Their options are to sign someone off the buyout market (which would require waiving a player) or seeing what the two centers on two-way contracts (Christian Koloko and Trey Jemison III) can offer. In the meantime, Jaxson Hayes will continue to be the starting center, a role he's done well in the past few games (especially in Luka's debut on Monday).
The likeliest option is scouring the buyout market. One player in particular could soon be wearing purple and gold. Washington waived Alex Len on Saturday, and Charania then reported that he planned to sign with Indiana.
Lakers could sign center Alex Len off buyout market
On Monday, Keith Smith floated the idea of Len signing with the Lakers instead since he hasn't officially signed with the Pacers.
Alex Len was ticketed for the Pacers, but a role with more playing time (and potentially more than the prorated veteran minimum) may have opened up with the Lakers after the rescinded trade. Something to keep an eye on. Len also wouldn't have to leave the west coast that way.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) February 11, 2025
The Kings traded Len to the Wizards as part of the three-team deal with the Grizzlies involving Marcus Smart. It would be easier for Len to stay in California, and playing for the Lakers is a better opportunity than going to the Pacers (hence why he won't be going to Indiana).
Update: Alex Len won't sign with the Pacers.
— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) February 11, 2025
Los Angeles has few options, meaning Len is probably the best bet for added depth. The 31-year-old has career averages of 6.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game.
Len has fallen off the past three seasons in Sacramento, but if there's one team that will give him the best chance to "revive" his career, it's the Lakers. Sharing the court with Doncic will make Len's life easier.
ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported on Monday that the top two Lakers players who could be waived to make room for a buyout candidate are Reddish and Christian Wood. Don't be surprised when you get the notification that one of those players is gone and that the Lakers intend to sign Len. It's a foregone conclusion at this point.
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