JJ Redick Drops Initial Verdict on New Los Angeles Lakers Weapon After Getting Walloped by Jazz 1 Feb 12, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah forward Kyle Filipowski (22) shoots against Los Angeles center Len (27) during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

JJ Redick Drops Initial Verdict on New Los Angeles Lakers Weapon After Getting Walloped by Jazz

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Rex Villas | Last updated Feb 13, 2025 10:53 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers played against the Utah Jazz on the road Wednesday night, with recent acquisition and veteran big man Alex Len making his debut for the Purple & Gold franchise.

Len was traded to the Washington Wizard from the Sacramento Kings ahead of the deadline before getting waived. He intended to sign with the Indiana Pacers before changing his mind, and now he’s on a rest-of-season contract with the Lakers.

With Jaxson Hayes getting ruled out for the rest of the game at halftime due to a facial contusion, the Lakers were forced to give Len bigger minutes in his debut than expected. Despite it being just his first game, Len appeared to get a decent impression on LA head coach JJ Redick.

Via Jovan Buha of The Athletic:

JJ Redick said he thought Alex Len was “fine” tonight in his debut and that he was put in a tough spot having to play so much after just joining the group.

Len played nearly 15 of his 22 minutes in his debut with Los Angeles in the second half. Overall, he scored four points on 2-for-5 shooting from the field with seven boards and two assists plus a block in a 131-119 loss to the Jazz.

Los Angeles will have a long break because of the 2025 NBA All-Star break before they return to action for a Feb. 19 game at home versus the Charlotte Hornets. Depending on Hayes’ status, Len could start at the center position against the Hornets. Before his Sacramento exit, Len averaged just 1.4 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.5 blocks in 36 games this season with the Kings.

JJ Redick Drops Initial Verdict on New Los Angeles Lakers Weapon After Getting Walloped by Jazz 2 Feb 12, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Alex Len (27) warms up before a game against the Jazz at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images