With only their own 55th overall pick available to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2025 NBA Draft, it was always going to be an uphill battle to make the most of the draft process this season. That challenge just became even tougher after the latest news from Jonathan Givony.
The NBA Draft expert announced, "Momo [Mouhamed] Faye, a projected 2nd round pick, will withdraw from the NBA Draft, agent Matteo Comellini told ESPN. The 6'10 Senegalese center will evaluate Euroleague and NCAA options for next season."
Faye was pegged as the selection for the Lakers in Fansided's recent 60-pick mock draft. The two-way center was a raw prospect that displayed potential for strong upside as an offensive rim-runner who could also anchor the defense with his rim protection and athleticism.
The mold in which the Senegalese center was built allowed many to envision a successful partnership with Luka Doncic. If Faye was a part of the NBA Draft plans for this month, the Lakers will now be forced to pivot.
Second-round selection will be a wild card for Lakers
The Lakers have brought in a handful of players for workouts leading up to the NBA Draft. If the goal would be to draft a center than can be developed with this team, guys like Dylan Cardwell, Oumar Ballo, and Clifford Omoruyi have all been on the radar for Los Angeles.
Players like Izan Almansa and CJ Huntley could also be boosts to the frontcourt, even if they projected more as fours than fives in the NBA. However, down low is not the only area of the team that the Lakers have explored addressing with pick 55.
Los Angeles has also worked out several guards like Lamont Butler, Dajuan Harris, and RJ Felton. With Gabe Vicent potentially on his way out of the city this summer, the guard position would be another hole that needs to be addressed.
There is also the possibility that Rob Pelinka ultimately decides to go in another direction altogether during the 2025 NBA Draft. The Lakers could package together the pick with one of the several expiring contracts at their disposal to look for a proven veteran that boosts the bench unit.
Faye dropping out of the 2025 NBA Draft undoubtedly takes away an attractive option for Pelinka. However, there will still be plenty of avenues to explore with how to best maximize the situation, whether that involves a different prospect or using the pick as an asset tool.