The Los Angeles Lakers will enter the 2026 NBA Draft holding the No. 25 overall pick, and league sources say the front office is prioritizing front-court help.
According to the report, big-man prospects from the University of Connecticut and the University of Kentucky headline the team’s short list. Selecting a center or power forward would address a clear need as Los Angeles looks to strengthen its interior rotation without sacrificing cap flexibility.
The Lakers have not publicly confirmed individual workouts, but scouts indicate several UConn and Kentucky post players are receiving close attention from general manager Rob Pelinka and his staff. All evaluations are expected to intensify in the final days leading up to draft night.
Los Angeles last held the 25th pick in 2018, a spot that produced current contributors for multiple NBA clubs. The organization is aiming for similar value in 2026 as it targets size, rim protection and rebounding with this late-first-round selection.
Source: New York Post
