The summer has flown by, as just over one month remains until the 2025-26 NBA season. Los Angeles Lakers fans are excited to see how offseason additions like Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia will fit alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic; however, that hasn't stopped part of the fan base from focusing more on the franchise's former players rather than the current crop.
While some ex-Lakers found new basketball opportunities — either in the NBA or overseas — fairly quickly this summer, others haven't been as lucky and are still unemployed. The list of former L.A. players without a job in September is headlined by Alex Len, along with these three other free agents.
Former Lakers Without a Job in September
1. Alex Len, C
It isn't a surprise that Alex Len is still without a job after his failed time in Los Angeles.
The veteran center was brought in to shore up the Lakers' frontcourt after trading Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks, but all Len brought to the table was a knack for frustrating fans. He failed to look like an NBA-caliber player more often than not, as he averaged 2.2 points on 45.5% shooting and 3.1 rebounds in 10 outings with the Purple and Gold before being a non-factor in the playoffs.
Now that he's firmly in his 30s, Len is who he is at this point, and likely won't get better. With that in mind, his best days are firmly behind him, and his most recent tape won't help him land a job. A team would have to be pretty desperate to add him to their lineup, much like the Lakers were last season.
2. Markieff Morris, PF
Markieff Morris was one of the other players who were a part of the trade that brought Doncic to L.A. The 14-year veteran's experience is undeniable, but his aging body prevented him from being a consistent on-court contributor. Morris only ended up making eight appearances down the stretch, and his play wasn't anything to write home about, as he averaged 5.5 points with .333/.304/.833 shooting splits.
Morris' career has been on a downward slope for a while now, as he's averaged 3.8 or fewer points per game in each of the last three seasons. Teams won't want to waste a roster spot on a player like that, regardless of what he brings to the locker room.
3. Talen Horton-Tucker, SG/SF
There was a time in Lakers lore when Talen Horton-Tucker was an untouchable prospect. Eventually, Los Angeles' refusal to trade the ex-Iowa State Cyclone didn't pay off in the long run, resulting in a trade with the Utah Jazz that saw Patrick Beverley come to L.A. in August 2022. Horton-Tucker has since had forgettable stints with the Jazz and Chicago Bulls, and now he's a free agent.
Horton-Tucker's stock is at an all-time low, leaving a trip overseas as the next likeliest step for his career. He's young enough (24) to spend some time in Europe or China and rebuild his brand before attempting an NBA comeback. If not, and interest continues to wane, his time in the Association might already be over.
4. Thomas Bryant, C
Thomas Bryant has struggled to find a permanent home throughout his NBA career, having played with five franchises since 2017 — including twice with the Lakers. A lot of people assumed that he had found his home when he helped the Indiana Pacers to the 2025 NBA Finals, but the championship runners-up felt differently and let him hit free agency.
NBA insider Jake Fischer recently reported that the New York Knicks were interested in signing Bryant before reversing course in favor of backcourt and wing depth. He'll likely receive more interest from other teams if center-related injuries pop up in the preseason, but the Knicks' change of mind proves that the former Laker's stock isn't what it once was.