Alex Len isn’t the final buyout option the Lakers are considering.
The Los Angeles Lakers officially reached an agreement with Alex Len for a new contract this Tuesday. The 7-foot center joins LA after the Washington Wizards bought out his contract following the trade deadline. Initially, Len was expected to sign with Indiana, but those plans changed when the Lakers’ trade for Mark Williams fell through.
Len played 36 games with the Sacramento Kings this season, averaging 1.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in 7.3 minutes per game.
Once a top-five pick, Len has had a solid career as a rotation big man. Although his role diminished in Sacramento behind Domantas Sabonis, he now has an opportunity to find minutes with the Lakers, who have a significant need at center after the rescinded Williams trade.
Len won’t start in LA, where Jaxson Hayes, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Dorian Finney-Smith are expected to play most minutes at center, but he could contribute off the bench. The Lakers are in dire need of size in the absence of Anthony Davis. While Len isn’t the type of athletic rim-runner Luka Doncic is accustomed to, he offers a big presence in the paint that could work well with dump-offs and the occasional lob. With stars like Doncic and LeBron James, Len couldn’t have a better supporting cast.
The Lakers should continue exploring other buyout options. Here are a few more names to consider.
3. P, Toronto Raptors
P.J. Tucker ended up with the Toronto Raptors in the complex five-team Jimmy Butler trade. At 39 years old and in the final year of his contract, Tucker has little reason to stay with a rebuilding team. The Raptors’ acquisition of Brandon Ingram suggests they might still have hopes of contending, but that trade was made with an eye on next season.
Let’s be clear: Tucker’s best years are behind him. He hasn’t been a reliable rotation player since the 2022-23 season with Philadelphia. He struggled for minutes with the Clippers, even after joining his former teammate, James Harden.
The Lakers shouldn’t target Tucker for significant playing time. However, he has earned his reputation as a tough, versatile defender. Slot him in as a ‘stretch five’ next to Luka Doncic and LeBron James, and he may have some value left, or at least serve as a veteran enforcer on the bench.
2. Bojan Bogdanovic, Brooklyn Nets
We finally saw LeBron James and his former mentee, Ben Simmons, team up, but Simmons was bought out and joined the Clippers. The Brooklyn Nets are likely not finished reshaping their roster. Bojan Bogdanovic hasn’t played this season but still has something to offer a contender.
I remember when Bogdanovic gave LeBron fits in the playoffs with Indiana. Last season was a tale of two halves for the 35-year-old. He started strong with Detroit before falling out of New York’s rotation. His defensive struggles were not a good fit for Tom Thibodeau’s system. Now, he’s with Brooklyn as part of the Mikal Bridges trade.
Bogdanovic has been recovering from foot surgery, and his return timeline is unclear. However, if he’s able to play before the playoffs, the Lakers should act quickly. LA doesn’t need another defensive liability on the wing, but Bogdanovic is a proven shooter with size, and his track record suggests he could succeed in a system like J.J. Redick’s.
1. Jaden Springer, Houston Rockets
Jaden Springer was waived by the Houston Rockets after being acquired via salary-dump from the Boston Celtics. His NBA journey has been slow, as he saw limited action during 2.5 years with Philadelphia, and even fewer minutes in Boston’s backcourt.
Despite this, Springer is still just 22 years old and brings impressive defensive skills. The 2023 G League Finals MVP just needs a chance to develop and play regularly. Los Angeles may not seem like the ideal spot for a player like him, but the Lakers should take risks on young talent, especially with uncertainty about the future.