Once young and promising center Mark Williams, whom the Los Angeles Lakers traded for a week ago, failed his physical, leading to the trade being rescinded, the Lakers were left with a weak center rotation.

Waiving Christian Wood was less about his talent and more about fit—Len offers the physicality and reliability the Lakers need right now.

The 7-foot Len had intended to sign with Indiana but changed his mind after the Lakers rescinded their trade to acquire Mark Williams. Wood had yet to play this season while rehabbing from