The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled to utilize the NBA Draft as a resource for sustained excellence under general manager Rob Pelinka. There isn't a single drafted player averaging even 12.0 minutes per game in 2025-26, and Austin Reaves has become a rare example of retained undrafted talent.
Unfortunately, the Lakers are in line to have less than prolific options with a first-round pick in the mid-20s at the 2026 NBA Draft. Thankfully, the Boston Celtics have proven that isn't an issue.
Boston has been residing in that very range of the NBA Draft throughout the 2020s. It's overcome that truth by scouting remarkably well and selecting players who have the skill set and potential to contribute winning minutes to the rotation.
That includes reigning Sixth Man of the Year and rising star Payton Pritchard, who was selected at No. 26 overall in the 2020 NBA Draft.
During the most recent draft cycle, the Celtics turned the No. 28 pick into Hugo Gonzalez. Though Gonzalez has struggled on offense during his rookie season, he's offered invaluable minutes on the defensive end of the floor to a team that lost much of its depth over the summer.
As the Lakers look to maximize the value of what's currently on pace to be the No. 21 overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, they must look for a high-level defender of their own.
Celtics proof Lakers can turn a first-round pick in the 20s into a key player
Los Angeles did well to land Adou Thiero in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, but he's only appeared in 17 games as a rookie. It was praised for finding a steal in Dalton Knecht in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, but he's seemingly fallen out of favor with head coach JJ Redick.
That's left Jake LaRavia, 24, as the only player on the roster who's under 25 and playing consistent minutes for the 2025-26 team.
Thankfully, Boston has proven that instantly valuable talent can be found late in the first round. Gonzalez, 20, has averaged 15.1 invaluable minutes off the bench this year, operating as a defensive force who helps stabilize a second unit that's often punching above its weight class.
Despite his offensive flaws, the Celtics have allowed just 103.7 points per 100 possessions and are outscoring opponents by 16.8 points per 100 possessions when Gonzalez has been on the court.
Individually, Gonzalez has been an impact player. He's held All-Stars Pascal Siakam to 6-of-17 shooting, Cade Cunningham to 2-of-8, Jalen Johnson to 1-of-6, and Jalen Brunson to 1-of-4. According to Basketball Index, he ranks in the 85th percentile in perimeter isolation defense.
For a Lakers team in dire need of wing defenders who can slow stars down, the Celtics' success with Gonzalez is a refreshing reminder of the type of value a first-round pick after No. 20 can net.