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Lakers Sign Alex Len, Waive Christian Wood – A Smart Move After Doncic Trade?
The Los Angeles Lakers have officially signed 7-foot center Alex Len, waiving Christian Wood to make room for their new big man. This move follows the Lakers' blockbuster trade for Luka Dončić and the failed acquisition of Mark Williams after a rescinded trade due to a failed physical. With the Lakers in dire need of size and defense, is Len the right answer?
Why Did the Lakers Choose Alex Len Over Christian Wood?
At first glance, Wood might seem like the more skilled offensive player. However, the Lakers' biggest concern right now isn't scoring—it’s size, rebounding, and rim protection, which are Len’s strengths over Wood.
1. Defensive Presence
- Len is a true rim protector, while Wood has been criticized for his lack of defensive effort.
- With Anthony Davis gone (traded for Dončić), the Lakers needed a defensive anchor inside to contest shots and protect the paint.
- Wood struggles in one-on-one post defense, whereas Len is a more physical and disciplined defender.
2. Rebounding & Toughness
- Len is a stronger rebounder and plays more physical in the paint compared to Wood, who tends to drift on the perimeter.
- The Lakers needed a consistent board crasher, especially in a Western Conference filled with dominant big men.
- Wood has been inconsistent with his effort on the glass, which has been a problem throughout his career.
3. Durability & Role Fit
- Wood has battled injuries, including knee issues that kept him sidelined, making him unreliable for a deep playoff run.
- Len has been a consistent role player throughout his career and doesn’t demand touches to be effective.
- Chemistry-wise, Len is a team-first player, while Wood has had locker room issues in previous teams.
Lakers’ Frontcourt Struggles After the Luka Doncic Trade
The Lakers' frontcourt has been in flux ever since they traded Anthony Davis to Dallas for Luka Dončić. While the Dončić trade made them a powerhouse in the backcourt, it left them with a serious size issue in the paint.
1. The Failed Mark Williams Trade
- The Lakers initially tried to fix their big-man depth by trading for Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, but the deal fell apart due to Williams' failed physical.
- This left the Lakers scrambling for another big, ultimately leading to Len’s signing.
2. Pick-and-Roll Partner for Doncic
- Dončić thrives with big men who can set strong screens and roll to the rim, something Len is capable of.
- Wood, while skilled offensively, prefers to operate on the perimeter and create his own shot, which doesn’t fit well with Luka’s playstyle.
3. Interior Defense Issues
- Without Anthony Davis, the Lakers were suddenly weak in rim protection.
- Len helps fill this void with his size and defensive fundamentals, while Wood was never known for his shot-blocking ability.
Is This Enough for the Lakers?
While signing Len helps stabilize the Lakers' frontcourt, they might still need another big man to handle physical matchups in the Western Conference.
1. Will the Lakers Make Another Move?
- The buyout market could present opportunities for the Lakers to acquire another center for depth.
- They still have Jaxson Hayes, but they might look for a stronger presence against elite bigs like Nikola Jokić or Rudy Gobert.
2. The Focus Now Shifts to Team Chemistry
- The Lakers now have to integrate Luka Dončić into their system and ensure he meshes well with LeBron James.
- With a new defensive anchor in Len, their next focus should be refining their rotations and defensive schemes.
The real question is: Can Alex Len hold down the paint while the Lakers adjust to their new star-studded backcourt?
What do you think? Did the Lakers make the right call? 🔥🏀
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