Alious**Lakers Secure Alex Len, Eyeing More Buyout Options to Bolster Roster Around Luka Doncic**
The **Los Angeles Lakers** officially inked a deal with veteran center **Alex Len** on Tuesday. The 7-footer joins the squad after being bought out by the **Washington Wizards** post-trade deadline. Interestingly, Len was initially set to join the **Indiana Pacers**, but a change of plans led him to LA following the collapse of the Lakers’ trade for **Mark Williams**.
Len played in **36 games** this season for the **Sacramento Kings**, posting modest numbers—**1.4 points** and **1.8 rebounds** over **7.3 minutes** per game. A former top-five draft pick, Len has carved out a respectable career as a rotational big man. Despite limited opportunities behind **Domantas Sabonis** in Sacramento, he now has a golden opportunity to claim meaningful minutes with the Lakers, especially after the Williams deal fell through, leaving a noticeable gap at the center position.
While Len won’t be cracking the starting lineup—**Jaxson Hayes**, **Jarred Vanderbilt**, and **Dorian Finney-Smith** will likely continue to dominate the minutes at the five—he’s expected to provide depth off the bench. With **Anthony Davis** frequently battling injuries, Len’s size will be a valuable asset. Though not the high-flying rim-runner type that **Luka Doncic** has thrived with, Len’s towering presence in the paint will make him a reliable option for easy finishes around the basket. Plus, playing alongside playmakers like Doncic and **LeBron James** sets him up for success.
However, the Lakers aren’t done yet. They’re actively exploring more buyout market opportunities to strengthen their roster. Here are **three intriguing options** they could target:
—
### **3. P.J. Tucker (Toronto Raptors)**
**P.J. Tucker** landed with the **Toronto Raptors** in the complex five-team deal involving **Jimmy Butler**. At **39 years old**, Tucker finds himself in the twilight of his career, stuck on a rebuilding team where his skill set doesn’t quite fit. Toronto’s acquisition of **Brandon Ingram** hints at ambitions beyond rebuilding, but Tucker’s veteran presence seems unnecessary for their long-term plans.
Let’s be honest—Tucker’s best days are behind him. Since the **2022-23** season with the **Philadelphia 76ers**, he’s struggled to maintain a consistent role, even riding the bench with the **Clippers** despite reuniting with longtime friend **James Harden**.
That said, Tucker’s reputation as a gritty, versatile defender still holds weight. While the Lakers shouldn’t expect heavy minutes from him, he could thrive as a situational “stretch five” alongside Doncic and LeBron. His toughness and locker room leadership would be invaluable, even if his on-court contributions are limited. At worst, he’s an experienced enforcer who adds a layer of toughness to LA’s bench.
—
### **2. Bojan Bogdanovic (Brooklyn Nets)**
Veteran sharpshooter **Bojan Bogdanovic** is another potential buyout candidate as the **Brooklyn Nets** look to reshape their roster. The 35-year-old hasn’t played this season due to a lingering foot injury, but he’s proven time and again that he can be a lethal scorer when healthy.
Lakers fans will remember Bogdanovic’s battles with LeBron during his time with the **Indiana Pacers**, where he showcased his ability to rise to big moments. Last season, he had a solid start with the **Detroit Pistons** before falling out of favor in **New York**, largely due to his defensive limitations—a mismatch for **Tom Thibodeau’s** defensive schemes.
Now part of the fallout from the **Mikal Bridges** trade, Bogdanovic could be a low-risk, high-reward addition for LA. His return timeline remains uncertain, but if he’s healthy before the playoffs, the Lakers should make a move. They don’t necessarily need another defensive liability, but his elite shooting and size could be a game-changer in **J.J. Redick’s** offensive system.
—
### **1. Jaden Springer (Houston Rockets)**
At just **22 years old**, **Jaden Springer** represents a completely different kind of target—youth and untapped potential. Recently waived by the **Houston Rockets** after a salary-dump deal from the **Boston Celtics**, Springer has struggled to find consistent playing time since being drafted in the first round.
Despite limited NBA action, Springer’s defensive upside is hard to ignore. The **2023 G League Finals MVP** boasts elite defensive instincts and athleticism, traits that the Lakers could desperately use. Offensively, he’s been a non-factor in his brief career, but with Doncic and LeBron handling the bulk of the playmaking duties, Springer wouldn’t be asked to do much beyond hitting spot-up threes, cutting off the ball, and locking down opposing guards.
Given the Lakers’ lack of elite perimeter defenders outside of Finney-Smith, Springer’s energy and defensive prowess could fill a critical void. His athleticism, combined with his youth, makes him an ideal candidate for a **10-day contract** or even a **two-way deal**.
—
### **What’s Next for the Lakers?**
The Lakers’ front office is clearly in “win-now” mode, trying to maximize the title window with LeBron and Doncic leading the charge. The addition of Alex Len provides much-needed size, but the search for more depth—whether it’s seasoned vets like Tucker and Bogdanovic or young defensive studs like Springer—will continue as the buyout market evolves.
Expect the Lakers to stay aggressive, keeping an eye out for any opportunity to add pieces that can help them make a deep postseason run.
Alious