The Los Angeles Lakers' shortcomings were well-documented last season. After the Luka Doncic trade and the rescinded Mark Williams deal, the Lakers were left without enough depth and quality in the frontcourt. This resulted in them getting completely overwhelmed by the Minnesota Timberwolves' size and athleticism in the playoffs.
One of the big reasons why was the failed mid-season addition of center Alex Len. The Lakers signed free agent Len to round out the big man rotation and the veteran big was supposed to provide size, rebounding, and interior presence. Instead, he quickly proved that he wasn't going to contribute, forcing the Lakers to play small-ball lineups for extended periods of time.
Len's tenure in Los Angeles was such a disaster that GM Rob Pelinka didn't seriously consider bringing him back once his contract expired this summer. Len remains unsigned in free agency, and there is not a single Lakers fan who wants to see him return to Los Angeles.
Alex Len Will Not Be Missed by the Lakers After Offseason Departure
Considering that the Lakers could still use another body in the center rotation, it is telling that they are not bringing Len back. The Lakers currently have Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes as their traditional centers, and could use Maxi Kleber and Jarred Vanderbilt at the five when needed. Christian Koloko will be an option in cases of emergency.
This is certainly not the most exciting big man rotation in the NBA. Yet, it is significantly better than what the Lakers trotted out at center in the playoffs last season. Hayes and Len were so bad that head coach JJ Redick played center-less against the Timberwolves for almost the entirety their series last spring.
Len ended up finishing his Lakers stint with averages of 2.2 points and 3.1 rebounds in 12.2 minutes per game in 10 appearances. His 46.3% True Shooting was awful for any player, let alone a seven-foot center. The former Maryland standout could find a two-way contract before the season or head overseas in the next chapter of his career, but it's hard to see him have a significant role in the NBA after what he showed as a Laker.