Los Angeles Lakers mock draft: LA trades down, adds promising stretch 5

With the 46th overall pick, the Los Angeles Lakers select Luka Garza, Center, Iowa

The center position is the biggest area of need for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2021 NBA Draft. The team has no real long-term options for the position and you can only sign so many veterans to minimum contracts before you need homegrown depth.

Devontae Cacok is the team’s young option but he is a bit undersized and does not project to be a traditional impact five. Sorry to any Cacok fans out there, but I do not think he is the solution. If so, the Lakers would have given him a chance earlier this season instead of signing Damian Jones to multiple 10-day contracts.

Marc Gasol is old and is signed for only one more year, assuming he does not retire after the season. Andre Drummond would be a nice addition to the team long-term but the chances of him re-signing are slim to none.

Luka Garza is a really interesting prospect. Garza’s numbers alone are eye-popping. The senior averaged 24.1 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game last season. Are the Lakers drafting the next Anthony Davis in the second round?

Obviously not, but Garza has the traits to be successful and will make his impact felt right away. The fact that he has four years of experience is a huge plus as he will be more developed coming out of college and can slot into the rotation right away.

Garza is a solid rebounder, can score near the rim and is a fantastic three-point shooter. Garza shot 44% from beyond the arc on 3.2 attempts per game this past season. He gives the Lakers a presence in size that can also help space the floor.