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Free Agent Center Backing Out of Deal Fuels Lakers Speculation

By Cem Yolbulan

Oct 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots against Sacramento Kings center Alex Len (25) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots against Sacramento Kings center Alex Len (25) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images / Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
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The Luka Doncic era is officially here in Los Angeles. The Lakers won their sixth straight game on Monday evening in their new superstar's debut to improve to 32-19 for the season. While all is well with the Lakers who have climbed up to fourth place in the Western Conference, questions about the team's postseason viability remain.

The biggest question, of course, is the center rotation. After the Mark Williams trade was voided following his failed physical, the Lakers are left with a completely depleted big man rotation. Jaxson Hayes is the only healthy and capable center on the roster and he is better suited in a small, bench role for a team with championship aspirations.

That is why the Lakers have turned their attention to the free agent market to address their frontcourt weakness. Fortunately for them, a top center candidate is now unexpectedly available.

NBA Rumors: Alex Len Would Be Perfect Center Addition for the Lakers

Last week, it was reported that Alex Len would sign with the Indiana Pacers after clearing waivers upon his release from the Wizards. However, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star just reported that the deal is no longer happening, putting Len back on the market. He speculates in his piece that one of the reasons for that may be the Lakers' interest in the big man.

Len is obviously neither the perfect nor the long-term solution for the Lakers' problems. At the same time, he is one of the best centers they can realistically acquire right now.

The 31-year-old is one of the few rotation-caliber centers available on the market right now. The seven-footer has excellent size and length and can be a force inside the paint. He is not the most mobile or athletic of bigs, but he can deter shots at the rim, rebound the ball, and finish around the basket.

Len has spent the last four seasons with the Sacramento Kings. Due to the fact that Domantas Sabonis never misses any time and plays extended minutes every game, his role has been rather limited in that time. If he were to join the Lakers, Len would have a big role and could thrive playing next to Luka Doncic and LeBron James.

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