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Los Angeles Lakers: Alex Len would be a great depth piece

By Jason Reed

PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 06: Alex Len #21 of the Phoenix Suns stands on the court during the second half of the NBA game against the Brooklyn Nets at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 6, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Nets defeated the Suns 98-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 06: Alex Len #21 of the Phoenix Suns stands on the court during the second half of the NBA game against the Brooklyn Nets at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 6, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Nets defeated the Suns 98-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Unless the Los Angeles Lakers are buying into Ivica Zubac and Thomas Bryant, the team is going to need to add a free agent center this offseason.

The Los Angeles Lakers do not have the greatest outlook at the center position.

While Ivica Zubac and Thomas Bryant are both solid, young players, they are not the proper anchors at center that can help a contending team. If the Lakers are committed to building a contender this offseason, adding a solid center may be the best route to go.

The problem is that there are not many great centers available on the open market. DeMarcus Cousins is the best option available, however, has too many injury concerns for the Lakers to spend the big money on.

There is also the possibility of bringing in Nerlens Noel, who has been connected to the Lakers as a potential target to play alongside LeBron James. However, even with Noel, that is only a depth piece.

Thus, the Lakers are forced in a corner to re-sign Julius Randle and serve as the team’s starting center. Since Randle lacks the true size of a center, and rookie Mo Wagner is also not a true center, adding a center for depth is the team’s only real route.

And if the Lakers cannot land Noel there is only one other center the team should consider for depth: Alex Len.

Len does not have the most staggering resume or offensive production. Last year for the Phoenix Suns, Len averaged 8.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 20.2 minutes per game.

It is not the offensive production that the Lakers would be seeking, though. Instead, it would be Len’s size and his ability to rebound the basketball and provide second chance opportunities. At seven-foot-one, Len is one of the tallest centers in the league. Per 48 minutes, Len averaged 17.8 rebounds.

Andre Drummond, who led the league in rebounding last season, averaged 22.8 rebounds per 48 minutes. Brook Lopez averaged 8.1 rebounds per 48 minutes last season.

Adding Len is especially useful if the Los Angeles Lakers land LeBron James. James thrives in an offensive set with a big-bodied center that can rebound that he can rely on late in games. Len is not going to be making any all-star teams or scoring 20 points per game but he will be one of the most valuable pieces the Lakers add this offseason.

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Alex Len is not a blockbuster signing and would not send shockwaves throughout the NBA. However, signing Len would still serve as a great move for the Los Angeles Lakers.

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