St. John's Red Storm big man Zuby Ejiofor has all of the tools to be one of the definitive picks in the post-lottery realm of the 2026 NBA Draft. An undersized center with the length, athleticism, and skill set to potentially thrive in the NBA, Ejiofor is the epitome of polarizing.
As the Los Angeles Lakers search for ways to solidify the rotation and give Luka Doncic the offensive weapons he needs to play his preferred style, Ejiofor must at least be on their radar.
Ejiofor, 22, was one of the show stealers at the 2026 NBA Draft Combine. He measured at 6'7.5" without shoes, which caused many to question his pro potential. As soon as the talk of his bust status began, however, he produced one of the most impressive showings at the event in virtually every other way.
That includes the fact that Ejiofor boasts a 7'2" wingspan and an 8'11" standing reach—comparable marks to fellow prospects Fiory Bidunga and Morez Johnson.
St. John's Zuby Ejifor measured 6'7.5 barefoot and 245 pounds at the NBA Draft Combine, with a 7'2 wingspan and 8'11 standing reach. pic.twitter.com/SxIye6MHUr
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 11, 2026
Ejiofor proceeded to showcase remarkable athletic abilities as the Combine progressed. He ranked No. 1 amongst centers in the shuttle run, No. 5 in the lane agility drill, and No. 6 in the three-quarter sprint. He also posted an eye-opening 38.0" vertical leap.
Though he is something of a tweener, Ejiofor's athletic gifts make him a player the Lakers must seriously consider drafting.
Zuby Ejiofor is a polarizing prospect who fits Luka's preferred style
The Lakers have reportedly committed to supporting Doncic by emulating the 2023-24 Dallas Mavericks roster he made the NBA Finals with. Unfortunately, it's unlikely that Ejiofor will be able to occupy the role of a Daniel Gafford or Dereck Lively II, if only due to the drastic differences in size.
The player to whom Ejiofor may positively compare, however, is P.J. Washington—the power forward who worked postseason magic alongside Doncic in 2024.
Washington boasted similar physical measurements to Ejiofor at 6'8" with a 7'2.25" wingspan and an 8'10.5" standing reach. Though Washington might be a more fluid athlete, Ejiofor tested well in speed and agility, and the film shows a clear ability to move comfortably in transition and the half court.
Washington has a clear edge as far as three-point shooting is concerned, but Ejiofor has steadily improved from distance and set career-bests in three-point field goals made (18) and efficiency (30.5 percent) in 2025-26.
Ejiofor is also a skilled passer and a defensive playmaker who can offer value in two crucial areas in 2026-27 and beyond. In 2025-26, he averaged 3.5 assists, 2.1 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game, proving comfortable with the ball in his hands and when roaming away from it on defense.
Compounded by his finishing ability above the rim and his proficiency in the pick and roll, Ejiofor is a polarizing prospect with clear upside and appeal to a Lakers team in need.
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