2 NBA Draft prospects who exactly fit the Lakers needs to build around Luka Doncic originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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With the Los Angeles Lakers now out of title contention, the main focus is full steam ahead for the 2026 NBA Draft. This will be a transition year for many reasons. One of the biggest is the status of LeBron James. One of three possibilities is on the table with The King living out the end of his career in LA, going elsewhere for a few struggling years, or calling it a career after 23 years in the league.
Regardless of whichever direction James goes in, there will be a concerted effort to build around Luka Doncic. The NBA superstar, who was out for most of the playoffs, hasn’t lived up to the Lakers hype thus far. For now, gathering a few pieces will be a top priority.
What’s the Lakers’ plan for the immediate future?
“There is a desire for better center play, true lob threats who mimic the skills of Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II (with cleaner injury histories),” according to The Athletic’s Dan Woike and Sam Amick. “There is a desire for true two-way defensive players, wings with athleticism and energy on the defensive end and a sweet shooting stroke on the offensive side of the ball. And there’s a desire to lock in a long-term secondary playmaker next to Doncic.”
The Lakers only have the No. 25 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. This leaves them with a few options to start the process of rebuilding in an eventual post-LeBron era. Expect Los Angeles to try and go big before next season.
North Carolina center Henri Veesaar
The Tar Heels big man entered the draft instead of returning to Chapel Hill, but could end up landing in LA. Given how many centers have dropped out and will be part of the 2027 NBA Draft class, the Lakers could pull the trigger on Veesaar, if he is still available at No. 25
Florida center Rueben Chinyelu
Like Veesaar, the market is open for big men in the first round. Chinyelu has an interesting decision to make depending on where he’ll go. The 7-footer could return to Florida and give them an outstanding frontcourt. However, going to Los Angeles is an intriguing option, if Chinyelu is still available.
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Rob Pelinka has already gone on the record saying the Lakers’ roster will be “retrofitted around Luka and the things he needs. Clearly, he’s that player and leader for the future that we want to build around.” This means he’s the centerpiece, with James likely out of the equation sooner rather than later.
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