Pick number 55 is not the sexiest selection the Los Angeles Lakers have had throughout their storied franchise history. However, that is what they will have to work with for the 2025 NBA Draft.
The Lakers' 2025 first-round pick belongs to the Atlanta Hawks, after changing ownership a couple of times. If Rob Pelinka is to make the most of this year's NBA Draft, a calculated risk will need to be made with whoever they select in the second round.
Unlike last season's process that featured Bronny James, there should be a lot less drama in 2025. There is always the possibility that Pelinka will move the pick for a proven upgrade. If they don't, the mock drafts are largely agreeing on how the Lakers should use the selection.
ESPN: Viktor Lakhin (C - Clemson)
ESPN recently had Hunter Sallis pegged as the guy for the Lakers with pick 55. They have pivoted to Viktor Lakhin in their latest installment, with Sallis dropping to 56.
Lakhin averaged 11.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.0 steal, and 1.5 blocks per game in his 23.6 minutes per game with the Clemson Tigers this past season. The 23-year-old shot 50.7 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from beyond the arc.
The idea with this selection would be giving the Lakers someone who can come in and battle for minutes in the frontcourt immediately. Lahkin is a solid interior defender who can also move reasonably well for his size when forced to be in space.
The potential to space the court offensive and clean up the glass for the Lakers only adds to the appeal. Targeting a potential day-one contributor like this would be an understandable strategy.
Tankathon: Vladislav Goldin (C - Michigan)
Tankathon's mock draft features the Lakers selecting another Russian big man. In their case, it's Vladislav Goldin of the Michigan Wolverines.
Goldin averaged 16.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game in the 2024-25 season. The Michigan center also posted solid shooting splits of 61-33-73.
Goldin is a capable finisher around the basket, a solid rebounder, and a strong screen setter. His athleticism will leave the biggest question marks about whether the 24-year-old can hang in the NBA.
Sports Illustrated: Mark Sears (G - Alabama)
Sports Illustrated had Alabama guard Mark Sears going to Los Angeles with the 55th overall pick. The five-year college players had another season of leading the Crimson Tide's offense.
Sears averaged 18.6 points and 5.1 assists per game. However, the Alabama guard saw a dip in his efficiency from the 2023-24 campaign, only shooting 40.3 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from 3-point in 2024-25.
The undersized guard will have plenty of questions about his size and athleticism that overshadow his offensive creation. As most other picks around this range, Sears will be a gamble.
Yahoo Sports: Rocco Zikarsky (C - Brisbane)
Yahoo Sports had the most attractive draft scenario of the outlets featured here. Kevin O'Connor's mock draft had the Lakers selecting Australian big man Rocco Zikarsky.
There was a time early in the draft process when Zikarsky had a first-round projection from many. An injury in the lead-up to the 2025 NBA Draft quickly dashed those hopes for the 7-foot-3-inch center.
Zikarsky offers the type of big man who would fit well with Luka Doncic. The Australian center can be a lob threat and rim-runner for the Lakers superstar point guard.
Zikarsky is capable of defending the rim and rebounding too. Expecting much outside of those main categories, however, may be unwise for the former highly-touted prospect.