LA Lakers buyout rumors: Insider predicts 7-foot Ukrainian center to replace Mark Williams after rescinded trade 

After rescinding the Mark Williams trade, the LA Lakers could get super active in the buyout market. The center market is thin, so LA must make the right choice. The new acquisition will likely have a bigger role than expected as the Lakers only have one center on a standard contract, Jaxson Hayes.

Christian Koloko and Trey Jemison III have shown flashes of their potential, but the Lakers would need someone reliable and experienced. Ukrainian 7-foot center Alex Len has emerged as a candidate for the Purple and Gold. Len, who was bought out by the Washington Wizards after the trade deadline, initially was expected to sign with the Indiana Pacers.

However, that deal fell apart. NBA insider Keith Smith has pinpointed Len as a potential Lakers' acquisition for their center depth. Here's what Smith wrote on X:

"Alex Len was ticketed for the Pacers, but a role with more playing time (and potentially more than the prorated veteran minimum) may have opened up with the Lakers after the rescinded trade. Something to keep an eye on. Len also wouldn't have to leave the west coast that way."

Alex Len was playing for the Kings before being moved to Washington. He can return close to his home for the past few years with a move to LA if the LA Lakers pursue his signature. Len has been in the league since 2013, averaging 6.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 0.9 blocks, shooting 51.0%.

He has been a reserve for the Kings over the past four seasons and a backup for Domantas Sabonis since 2022. This has further limited his playing time, pushing him into a reserve role.

Len fits the Lakers' need for a big, bruising backup center, as opposed to Jaxson Hayes, who is more mobile and athletic. This gives LA a different defensive look against bigger centers.

LA Lakers get an update from Rob Pelinka on center search

The LA Lakers could land a center soon. GM Rob Pelinka revealed the strategy ahead of Luka Doncic's debut on Monday on their plan to make a new addition. Pelinka said:

"Hopefully we’ll have news to come in the next few days."

The Lakers must undergo multiple procedures before they sign another player in the buyout. Their first plan of action would be to waive one of their players on a contract. They have 15 players and no space to accommodate another. Their three options to waive are Christian Wood, Cam Reddish and Markieff Morris.

Wood is the likeliest to make the rotation once healthy, but there have been no updates about his timetable for return. The Lakers will have to weigh their options first. Another would be to pick the appropriate fit.

Alex Len arguably could be the frontrunner, but candidates like Daniel Theis and Mo Bamba also make a compelling case.