The LA Lakers made a desperate addition to add to their roster late in the season. It did not work out.
After landing Luka Doncic back in early February in a surprise move, the LA Lakers attempted to trade for a center to pair with him.
The move for Mark Williams did not last. The Lakers rescinded the move citing a failed medical, and with the deadline passed, they had run out of options.
Only one desperate move was left. The Lakers decided to sign free agent center Alex Len.
Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty ImagesLA Lakers hijacked Indiana Pacers move for Alex Len
Alex Len had begun 2025 on the Sacramento Kings before he was traded to the Washington Wizards and then cut.
After clearing waivers, Len had lined up a move to the Indiana Pacers, with ESPN reporting he was set to agree a deal.
The Lakers then made a move to hijack his switch to Indiana. They cut Christian Wood from their roster and made Len an offer, which he accepted.
Len explained in a February interview how close he came, admitting he was swayed by the chance to compete for the title with the Lakers.
He explained: “I was on my way to Indiana and then Rob [Pelinka] called me and kind of changed my mind and came here. Crazy few days, huh?
“I understand being with the Lakers is a great opportunity. I couldn’t pass up on it, just playing for a championship. When I heard [it was a possibility], I said I’m coming here.”
Alex Len misses Pacers run to Finals
Alex Len struggled right away with the LA Lakers, and by the time the NBA Playoffs came around, he had failed to earn the trust of coach JJ Redick or the fanbase.
Many fans felt he should not have made the roster and that Trey Jemison should have been called up instead.
Len played a total of four minutes as the Lakers were eliminated in a 4-1 series defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Meanwhile the team he turned down, the Indiana Pacers, have gone on an improbable run to the NBA Finals.
The Pacers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the New York Knicks, setting up a Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Few expected the Pacers to make this kind of run, even though their numbers showed them to be 2025’s top team in the East.
Alex Len would not have been a starter for them, and likely would not have played many minutes, especially in the Finals.
But it would have been a much happier experience for him in Indiana than LA, and his decision could end up costing him a championship ring.