As the Los Angeles Lakers search for paths to improvement at center, trading up at the 2025 NBA Draft to select Rasheer Fleming is an option worth thoroughly exploring. Fleming is by no means the proven product Los Angeles is searching for, but his talent and potential are nothing short of noteworthy.
Although it would cost Los Angeles a potentially valuable asset to trade into the late first round, Fleming is the type of prospect who checks every box for the purple and gold.
Fleming spent three seasons playing for the Saint Joseph's Hawks. During that time, he showed consistent signs of improvement in every phase of the game, ultimately emerging as one of the most compelling prospects, let alone juniors, in his class.
Fleming put all of that together to earn First Team All-Atlantic 10 honors during the 2024-25 season, due in no small part to his remarkable development on the offensive end of the floor.
Still just 20 years of age, Fleming's combination of youth, untapped potential, and annual improvement has painted quite a picture. The fact that he's one of the most physically impressive players in the 2025 NBA Draft is just the icing on the cake.
Trading into the first round would cost the Lakers a potentially valuable asset, but Fleming is well worth the risk as a future interior anchor.
Rasheer Fleming is the perfect big for Luka Doncic's Lakers
Fleming finished the 2024-25 season averaging 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.1 offensive boards, 1.3 assists, 1.5 blocks, 1.4 steals, and 1.8 three-point field goals made per game. He did so while shooting at an efficient clip of .531/.390/.743, posting an eFG% of .619.
That statistical balance reveals the primary reason for intrigue: Whether he's spacing the floor, protecting the paint, or defending the perimeter, Fleming can make an impact in every phase.
He stands at just 6' 8.25'' and 232 pounds, which admittedly limits his ability to play big minutes at center. The reason why he can thrive at the 5-spot situationally, however, is the simple fact that he boasts a colossal 7'5.25" wingspan and a 9'1" standing reach.
For perspective: Fleming has a longer wingspan than potential Lakers trade targets Daniel Gafford and Walker Kessler.
Furthermore, Fleming posted the second-fastest time in the shuttle run, designed to measure a player's speed and agility, at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. That wasn't limited to bigs or even forwards—but included guards who he was significantly quicker than.
In many respects, Fleming is comparable to former Luka Doncic teammate P.J. Washington—only with a wingspan that's three inches longer.
A capable pick-and-roll finisher with the constant threat of pick-and-pop success, Fleming has all of the tools to thrive in Los Angeles. That includes the defensive acumen to help anchor the defense in small-ball lineups and provide invaluable versatility as a 4.
Los Angeles will look at trades and free agency for a starting center, but moving up for Fleming would give it the depth and team-friendly contract it desperately needs down low.