The 2026 NBA Draft can be very simple for the Los Angeles Lakers. There are two very clear roster needs that everyone, from the media to the fans to even the casual who only catches a handful of games, has been pointing out over the last year. That would be help in the frontcourt and on the wings.
After one season of the Deandre Ayton experience, most observers have deemed it enough. The search for a replacement at the starting center spot has been one of the most widely-discussed topics since the Lakers got eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Searching for two-way help on the wings has been a focus that dates back to last offseason. The Lakers had to rely on Marcus Smart to provide that impact in 2025-26. The veteran guard did an excellent job, but he is not a long-term solution considering his health concerns, age, and potential to bolt from the team in the offseason.
That is why if the Lakers do plan on using the 25th selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, it would be downright shocking to see them go in a direction that does not involve one of those two options. That is especially true considering the depth at both spots.
Lakers will have their pick of wings and centers in the 2026 NBA Draft
The 2026 NBA Draft has been hyped up as one of the deepest the league has gotten in some time. That is good news for the Lakers. Their late pick in this class can go a lot further than it would in many other years. That offers an opportunity to get an immediate contributor.
When compiling a shortlist for Fansided's NBA Draft Big Board, Lake Show Life's Chris Lambert was able to immediately identify five prospects who could help the Lakers. Lambert had Cameron Carr, Hannes Steinbach, Zuby Ejiofor, Henri Veesaar, and Baba Miller as players who can come in and boost the roster in Los Angeles.
All of those names look to address one of the two aforementioned needs for the Lakers.
At 25, Carr and Steinbach might not make it all the way down to Los Angeles' spot. Some combination of Ejiofor, Veesaar, and Miller should be available, though.
Squandering the opportunity here would be unwise. If the Lakers intend to stand pat at the 25th pick when the time comes, using the selection to address one of the two biggest roster concerns with the best player available is the right path to travel.
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