Lakers Centre Alex Len’s Journey From A Small Mining Town In Ukraine To The NBA Shows His Hard Work And Dedication
By Christopher Martinez
Lakers Centre Alex Len’s Journey From A Small Mining Town In Ukraine To The NBA Shows His Hard Work And Dedication
March 11, 2026
This article was last updated by Pranaya Poudel on March 11, 2026
Oleksii Yuriyovych “Alex” Len, a Ukrainian professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA, was born on June 16, 1993, in Antratsyt, Luhansk, Ukraine.
Len was born to a Ukrainian family and grew up in Ukraine with his sister, Anna. His mother, Yuliia, was a track athlete in her early years.
As a child, Len also participated in gymnastics and trained under Oleksii Stepanenko, who also trained Olympic gold medalist Ihor Korobchynsky.
However, he transitioned to basketball at 13 and attended Dnipro Higher College in Dnipro, Ukraine.
His admiration for NBA players like and may have influenced his interest in the sport.
Len represented Ukraine internationally, playing for the under-16 national team at the 2009 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship and the under-18 national team at the 2010 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship.
During the 2010 tournament, he was among the top players, showcasing his skills as a scorer, rebounder, and shot blocker.
He also played for the Ukraine national basketball team at the 2019 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.
Len Moved From Ukraine To The United States And Began His College Basketball Career
At 18, Alex Len moved to the U.S. to play college basketball at the University of Maryland in 2011, where he received an athletic scholarship.
He played for the Maryland Terrapins for two seasons.
Throughout his NBA career, Len has played for several teams.
Len’s professional career began when the
Before the draft, Ryan McDonough, then with the Boston Celtics, scouted Len as a 16-year-old prospect in Lithuania and was convinced of his potential.
In 2018, Len signed a two-year contract with the Hawks. Later, he was traded to the Kings.
In November 2026, Len signed with the Raptors and the Wizards in 2026.
by in
After being waived by the Wizards, Len signed with the Lakers in February 2026.
In 2026, , condemning the war and expressing support with his fellow Ukrainians.
He tweeted a message of support, highlighting Ukraine’s desire for peace and self-determination and calling for unity among Ukrainians, and wrote,
“A great tragedy befell our dear homeland Ukraine. We categorically condemn the war, Ukraine is a peaceful, sovereign state inhabited by people who want to decide their own destiny. We pray for our families, friends, relatives and all the people who are in the territory of Ukraine.
We hope for an end to this terrible war as soon as possible. Dear fellow Ukrainians, hold on! Our strength is in unity. We are with you!”
Standing 7’1″ and weighing 113 kg, Len has become a seasoned NBA player.
His journey from a small mining town in Ukraine to the States displays his dedication and enthusiasm.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Len and his mother, Yuliia, created the Len-d A Hand Foundation, a charity that helps reach out to the youth in Phoenix, Arizona, and other surrounding areas.
- Former Suns General Manager Ryan McDonough scouted Len as a 16-year-old and believed in his potential.
- A strong swimmer, on April 25, 2016, he helped save his friend and a lifeguard from drowning at a beach in the Dominican Republic.
- Check other Articles on
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