The Los Angeles Lakers have not had much luck in drafts in recent years, but the team is looking to capitalize on its 25th pick this season. The 2026 NBA Draft class is touted to be one of the most talented groups of rookies in the last few years. The Lakers did not have a first-round pick last season, and in 2024, they acquired Dalton Knecht, who has had a tumultuous run thus far.
The Lakers will go this year with the hope of getting something good out of a very late first-rounder. While the front office explores options to trade the pick in a package, they certainly have some options to bolster their frontcourt. Let’s explore some options for the Lakers who can go under the radar on D-day.
#1. Chris Cenac Jr.
The Lakers have really struggled when it comes to defensive tenacity, as the team finished ranked exactly in the middle of the league in defensive rating (116.4) in the 2025-26 season. Moreover, with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves handling the ball on top, the team needs some explosive frontcourt pieces who can make cuts and finish on the rim.
Houston’s 6-foot-10 two-way wing can be an instant addition to both of the aforementioned areas. Chris Cenac Jr. averaged 9.5 points, shooting 48.5% from the field and 33.3% from deep. However, his numbers don’t do justice to what he brings on the defensive ends of the floor.
Using his 7-foot-5 wing size, the forward can stick to fast guards and close them out with his size. Moreover, he averaged 7.9 rebounds in the 2025-26 NCAA season, proving his alertness in the paint.
#2. Tarris Reed Jr.
Tarris Reed Jr. has shown massive growth this year, averaging 14.7 points and 9.0 rebounds for the UConn Huskies. He shot 60.7% from the field, but doesn’t take deep shots. However, he can get to the rim in pick-and-rolls and uses his wingspan to defend players over his size.
The 6-foot-10 forward/center can develop his post game with the Lakers until he feels confident. Given the team’s situation with Deandre Ayton, he might get a good opportunity sooner than he realizes. Moreover, his average of 2.3 steals and 2.0 blocks per game proves that he is also versatile on defense.
#3. Jayden Quaintance
Quaintance spent most of his last college season with the Arizona Wildcats on the bench, as he suffered from a torn ACL. However, basketball experts say he would have come out as one of the elite defenders. He can also move around the rim and get the defenders at the back in the paint.
Even though Quaintance lacks the skill set to make fadeaway jumpers and perimeter shooting, his explosive personality and defensive abilities can be beneficial to an ailing Lakers squad. He will likely go under the radar, as he played just four games.
#4. Isaiah Evans
Even though the Lakers have enough depth in their backcourt, the front office wouldn’t mind having the services of ACC’s 2025-26 Sixth Man of the Year. Shooting 43.3% from the field and 36.1% from deep, Evans has caught the eyes of basketball scouts. He can come to the Lakers and do something Luke Kennard did, coming off the bench in Round 1 of the 2025-26 playoffs.
If Evans remains available till the 25th pick, the Lakers should consider picking him, though he is just 6-foot-6. With a good mentor, he can develop his game into something Reaves is doing for the LakeShow currently, and who better to teach than Luka Doncic?
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