The Los Angeles Lakers were dominated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the playoffs, and if that wasn’t enough, the Pistons just had Daniss Jenkins step into the starting five and play a key role. The second-year undrafted guard had 19 points on eight of 17 shooting, filling in for Duncan Robinson. He was Detroit's second-leading scorer in a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Cavaliers. Los Angeles keeps ignoring or wasting opportunities to add young talent, and it is killing their roster build.
Jenkins is 24 years old, but his leadership, work ethic, and desire to win were touted as he exited college. The 6’3 guard played for Rick Pitino and put up monster numbers. He foolishly went undrafted because he was an older prospect without the ideal measurements. Every team overlooked the intangibles that are allowing him to make a playoff impact in his second NBA season.
The Lakers have wasted the last two first-round draft picks Rob Pelinka has made, and he keeps trading away LA’s future capital. Pelinka clearly doesn’t see the draft as a crucial avenue to add talent. The Thunder series should have shown him why it is, and Jenkins just gave him another lesson.
Lakers need young talent with upside in building around Luka Doncic
Jenkins signed a two-year, $7.8 million contract with Detroit in 2025. He would have been the 12th-highest-paid player on the Lakers this season. Having a young talent with upside to step up in a crucial moment is massive. Pelinka doesn’t even give the Lakers that hope because he is focused on the wrong players.
The Lakers' lead executive loves players with one standout skill, but they struggle in every other facet. Everyone knows what players like Luke Kennard, Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia will provide. Daniss Jenkins wasn’t ready for NBA minutes last season, but he improved. The 6’3 guard is a different player and is helping the Pistons in the playoffs making a fraction of what veterans command.
The Lakers have one player with that type of upside. Credit to Pelinka for selecting Adou Thiero in the second round last year. He could grow into an impactful rotation piece next season.
Los Angeles found an undrafted future star in Austin Reaves. Other than those two examples, Pelinka has ignored or failed to use this strategy.
The Thunder have Lu Dort and Alex Caruso as undrafted players who are playing crucial roles. They have multiple second-round draft picks that are outperforming expectations, including Ajay Mitchell. The defending champs should be the model.
Young players on cheap contracts are crucial to building a title contender in 2026. The second apron is too punitive to spend wildly. Teams need those contributors on rookie-scale contracts to provide the depth needed to match the Thunder or San Antonio Spurs.
Daniss Jenkins is the latest example for Rob Pelinka and the Los Angeles Lakers to learn from. They should be on the lookout for undervalued young players that can help them build the depth necessary to chase a championship. Luka Doncic is locked in as the alpha, but he can’t do it alone.
The Lakers need to take notes from the Thunder, Spurs, and Pistons. Young talent on cheap contracts is a must.
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