The Los Angeles Lakers are staring down the path of a vital offseason that will have them heavily involved in the free-agent and trade markets, but don't sleep on the NBA Draft! The Lakers have the No. 25 pick and have the chance to select an impact player.
The Lakers are in win-now mode
Whomever LA selects at No. 25, it should probably be a guy who is ready to contribute right away. The Lakers are already a playoff team, and they're looking to advance further than the second round in 2026-27. What's more, with LeBron James probably set to return for his 24th season, there's not a lot of reasons for the Lakers to draft a project at No. 25. They're interested in competing right now; the post-LeBron world can be dealt with later.
Alex Karaban might be ready to contribute right away
One of the players on the Lakers' workout list is 23-year-old forward Alex Karaban out of UConn. Karaban is a two-time national champ who has seen all there is to see at the college level. He has the size (6-foot-8) and skill set that might thrive offensively as a connector and shooter alongside Luka Doncic on the wing, although plenty of scouts are (rightfully) scared that Karaban isn't quite athletic enough to hold his own defensively on the perimeter at the NBA level.
Due to this concern, Karaban isn't likely to get drafted before the Lakers are on the clock at No. 25. In fact, if LA is really in on Karaban, they'd probably be able to trade down and snag him in the second round.
Alex Karaban is a winner
Say what you want about Karaban's lack of burst (it's a real concern), but there's no doubt that Karaban knows how to play winning basketball at a very high level, and his defense wasn't ever a liability at UConn.
Is the NBA game worlds apart from college basketball in terms of wing play? Of course. But if the physical aspect of Karaban's game ends up translating to the pros, it's obvious that all of his other strengths will thrive at the next level, turning him into a potential late-first or second-round gem in this draft.
What is Karaban's floor (and ceiling)?
Another college player who lacked athleticism at the wing but still found a niche in the NBA was Georges Niang. Karaban's floor and ceiling sort of exist on either side of Niang. Lacking quickness, Niang really knows how to use his body and understands the angles of the game. Very few people thought he'd make the NBA, let alone be a rotational wing, but he's carved out a very respectable career.
Karaban's floor would see him fall below the outcome of Niang's career and have him end up stuck in the G League or overseas. His ceiling would see him be a rich man's Niang -- slightly taller with a slightly more refined skill set.
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