The Los Angeles Lakers have made a strategic move to enhance their frontcourt by signing experienced free-agent center Alex Len on Tuesday. This decision comes on the heels of their unsuccessful attempt to trade for Charlotte center Mark Williams. To accommodate the addition of Len, who is entering his 12th season in the NBA at the age of 31, the Lakers have waived injured center Christian Wood.

Len was previously part of a trade that sent him from Sacramento to Washington in a multi-team deal involving Marcus Smart. After joining the Wizards, he was subsequently released. Notably, he had played for Washington during the 2020-21 season before becoming a free agent and signing with the Kings.

Although it was reported that Len would be signing with the Indiana Pacers after his release, the Lakers stepped in to secure him as a vital backup center. Earlier this month, Los Angeles had traded superstar Anthony Davis to Dallas in exchange for Luka Doncic, who debuted with the Lakers by scoring 14 points in his first game.

The Lakers had also attempted to acquire Williams, trading rookie Dalton Knecht along with Cam Reddish to Charlotte. However, the deal fell through when Williams failed his physical, leading Los Angeles to withdraw from the trade.

Standing at 7 feet, Len may not be a prolific scorer, but he offers crucial minutes and stability behind Jaxson Hayes, who is now the Lakers’ starting center. Notably, this marks Len’s sixth NBA team since 2018.

Christian Wood’s situation with the Lakers has been unfortunate due to a series of injuries over the last two seasons. He hasn’t had the chance to play this season after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. The Long Beach native also missed the last two months of the previous season for the same knee issue, and he required another surgery following an injury during a workout last September.

The Lakers are currently on a roll, having won six consecutive games and 12 out of their last 14. Their upcoming match against Utah on Wednesday will be their final outing before the All-Star break.