Lakers' Alex Len struggles in loss to Bucks, raises doubts about future.

The Los Angeles Lakers made a bold move at the trade deadline by acquiring Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks, significantly improving their roster. However, this trade came with a cost - they had to give up Anthony Davis and cancel a trade that would have brought Mark Williams to the team, leaving a gap at the center position. To address this issue, the Lakers promoted Jaxson Hayes to the starting lineup and signed veteran center Alex Len as a backup in February. Len had been waived by the Washington Wizards after they acquired him from the Sacramento Kings at the deadline, and his struggles on the court quickly became evident, especially in his performance against the Milwaukee Bucks.

With Hayes sidelined due to a knee injury, Len was given the opportunity to start against the Bucks. Unfortunately, it was a challenging game for the 31-year-old center. His performance was so lackluster that former Indiana Pacers star Reggie Miller, who was broadcasting the game, didn’t hold back in his criticism. "Len, he's not guarding anyone, he's not scoring, he's not rebounding," Miller said on air. "Go small if you're the Lakers." These comments were backed up by the stat sheet, as Len finished the game with just two points (1-3 shooting), three rebounds, and one assist in 19 minutes, contributing little in the 126-106 loss to the Bucks.

Len's struggles are a concern for the Lakers, especially since he has played only six games for the team, totaling a mere six points. His performance against the Bucks only further raised questions about his ability to contribute in a meaningful way. Signed only for the remainder of the season, Len’s future with the team is uncertain. If his play doesn’t improve, it’s likely that he won’t return next year, especially considering the Lakers’ need for more consistent and impactful players.

While Len was never considered a star, he was a reliable role player in his prime years. His best season came in 2018-19 with the Atlanta Hawks, where he averaged 11.1 points on 49.4 percent shooting, along with 5.5 rebounds and nearly one block per game. Unfortunately, it appears that Len has lost a step since then, as his recent performances have not lived up to his past standards. The Lakers’ decision to bring him in was likely intended to add depth to their center position, but based on his recent struggles, it seems they may need to reassess their options moving forward. The team’s center position remains a concern, and it will be interesting to see how they address this need as the season progresses.