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Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka in April 2025
Following a first-round playoff victory over the Houston Rockets, the Los Angeles Lakers are now preparing for a second-round clash against the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
While much of the attention remains on Luka Doncic and the possibility of his return, there is also a growing focus on what could be a defining offseason for the franchise.
The center position has already been identified as a key area of concern, particularly after an inconsistent campaign from former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton.
As a result, the expectation is that Los Angeles will once again explore frontcourt reinforcements this summer.
Lakers Could Address Center Position Through Draft Options
Further changes appear likely regardless of Ayton holding an $8.1 million player option.
The Lakers could enter the offseason with over $50 million in cap space, with several contracts set to come off the books, including LeBron James’ $52.6 million salary.
However, the NBA Draft offers a cost-effective pathway for Los Angeles to strengthen the roster while preserving financial flexibility.
The Lakers currently hold their 2026 first-round pick and are projected to select toward the back end of the round.
In his latest mock draft, ESPN’s Jeremy Woo has the Lakers selecting North Carolina center Henri Veesaar with the 25th overall pick.
Across 31 games this season, Veesaar averaged 17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game, while shooting 60.8% from the field and an impressive 42.6% from three-point range on 3.0 attempts per contest.
“The Lakers have some roster uncertainty rolling into next season with LeBron James and likely Austin Reaves (player option) entering free agency,” Woo wrote. “The most obvious need is at center, where they stand to upgrade beyond the mercurial Deandre Ayton.”
“Veesaar would upgrade their skill level and add a floor-spacing element the roster lacks up front.”
The Estonian big man recorded 20 or more points in nine games this season, highlighted by a 28-point performance against Clemson in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals.
In that outing, he shot 10-of-16 from the field and 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, while adding 17 rebounds, five offensive boards, and two blocks in a dominant display.
Henri Veesaar Emerging as Modern Frontcourt Option
Veesaar enjoyed a breakout junior season in his first year at North Carolina after transferring from Arizona.
His combination of size and perimeter shooting as a seven-footer has quickly placed him on NBA radars.
“Veesaar comes off a productive season at North Carolina and will offer sheer size and viable shooting (42.6% from 3) in a draft that has become light on true centers,” Woo added.
“He has above-average athleticism and offensive skill for his size and should also be able to hold up defensively in drop coverage. The functionality he offers on both ends should allow him to plug into a rotation next season.”
With the Lakers having long lacked consistent size and physicality in the frontcourt, Veesaar represents a natural positional fit.
At 22-years-old, he projects as a player capable of contributing early, while still offering long-term upside as a late first-round selection.
As the Lakers continue to build around Doncic and Austin Reaves, alongside what could be a final stretch with James, the need for another high-usage star may be limited.
Instead, versatile role players who can impact both ends of the floor, like Veesaar, could help address long-standing roster gaps.
If Los Angeles retains its pick, the late first-round range presents several intriguing options, with Veesaar standing out as a strong candidate to strengthen the frontcourt.
Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, based in Paris, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA and wider global sport. More about Matt Evans
