The start of training camp is just around the corner for the Los Angeles Lakers and their roster appears to be just about set.
The front office made some significant additions this offseason, notably bringing in Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia. The Ayton signing, in particular, was crucial as the Lakers really struggled at the center position to end last season after trading Anthony Davis.
Now, Jaxson Hayes will go back to his familiar backup role instead of being pressed into a starting role.
One of the Lakers’ other centers to end last season was Alex Len, who they signed off the buyout market after the trade deadline. Expectations for Len were not high considering how much the Lakers needed bodies at center, but he still largely disappointed in his limited opportunities with the team.
To no surprise, the Lakers chose to move on from Len this summer and up until this point he had not found a new home. Ahead of the start of training camp though, he has reportedly signed with the New York Knicks, per Stefan Bondy of the New York Post:
The Knicks are signing veteran center Alex Len to a deal for training camp, the Post has learned.
The 32-year-old former Terp played with the Kings and Lakers last season.
— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) September 16, 2025
Len appeared in 46 games (seven starts) for the Lakers and Sacramento Kings last season, averaging 1.6 points, 2.1 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 8.3 minutes per game.
The former No. 5 overall pick appears to be on his last leg in the NBA, although he will get a chance to compete for a roster spot with the Knicks. If he is able to earn one during training camp then it will mark a 13th NBA season for Len.
Meanwhile, the Lakers will head into the 2025-26 season with a center rotation that includes Ayton, Hayes and Maxi Kleber. They also have Christian Koloko back on a two-way contract.
Luka Doncic expects to take on leadership role in Lakers training camp
As Luka Doncic heads into his first training camp with the Lakers, he recently stated that he expects to take on more of a leadership role with the team.
“Obviously with Rob I talk more about the guys we wanna get. But the players that’s going to develop I think in preseason when we’re really all together and talking in person. So I think that’s more happening in the preseason,” Doncic said at his press conference to announce his extension earlier this summer.
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