The Los Angeles Lakers are shaping up for a potentially active draft night on Wednesday. While they currently hold only the 55th overall pick, there’s growing speculation that they could trade into the first round, with several intriguing prospects on their radar.
The Los Angeles Lakers are bracing for one of the most pivotal nights of the NBA offseason — the 2025 NBA Draft, which starts on Wednesday night. Although they currently own just the No. 55 overall pick, that may not be where their night ends.
Points this season
Los Angeles Lakers
NBA
According to Lakers insider Jovan Buha and draft expert Mike Garcia, who discussed the team's options on the latest episode of the Buha's Block podcast, the Lakers are actively exploring ways to move up the board.
"There’s a chance they trade up into the first round," Buha noted, adding that it would likely require parting with Dalton Knecht or Rui Hachimura, as well as a future first-round pick, to make such a leap.
Credit Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix
"In the Bobby Marks mock trade, it was Dalton and the 2031 first to get into the lottery," Garcia mentioned, hinting at what it might cost to target a center like Khaman Maluach.
With center depth being one of the Lakers’ most pressing needs, Buha and Garcia ran through a list of prospects who could be on the team's radar — either via a trade-up or with the No. 55 pick and undrafted free agent signings.
Center Prospects
Khaman Maluach 7'2, Duke, Lottery
One of the most physically gifted prospects in the draft. The 7-footer has elite vertical pop, a massive catch radius, and soft touch around the rim. However, Garcia cautioned that Maluach is still raw and needs polish.
"He’s unstoppable in the air," Garcia said, "but I think he needs a little more development."
Credit Matthew Last/ZUMA Press Wire
Thomas Sorber 6'10, Georgetown, Late Lottery to Mid-1st
A more polished, NBA-ready big man. Sorber is known for his strong rebounding, interior defense, and passing feel out of the post.
"He sees the floor, he makes the right reads, he’s a clear drop coverage center," Garcia noted.
Projected to go in the late lottery to mid-first round, Sorber would be a strong fit under new head coach JJ Redick.
Maxime Reynaud 7'1, Stanford, Late 1st to Early 2nd
The Stanford product stands 7 feet tall and offers a unique mix of shooting, passing, and screening.
"He’s very decisive… gives Coach Redick the five-out spacing as an actual possibility," Garcia said, comparing him favorably to a more physical version of Kelly Olynyk.
Ryan Kalkbrenner 7'1, Creighton, Late 1st to Early 2nd
A seasoned veteran out of Creighton, Kalkbrenner brings size and rim protection. While not the most athletic, he’s viewed as someone who can fit into an NBA system quickly.
Yannick Konan Niederhauser 7'0, Creighton, Early to Mid 2nd
A fast-rising, 7-foot prospect with a 9'3" standing reach. Garcia highlighted him as one of his pre-combine favorites due to his combine breakout, rim protection, and surprising agility.
Joan Beringer 6'10, France, Mid-1st
Explosive and toolsy big man with elite length and intriguing long-term upside.
Wing Prospects
Drake Powell 6'6, North Carolina, Late 1st-round
An athletic, defense-first wing from UNC. Though raw offensively, Powell brings the kind of physicality the Lakers lacked in the playoffs.
"If you can attack the basket and defend, I’m happy to put you on the floor," Garcia said.
Adou Thiero 6'6, Kentucky, Early 2nd
A rugged wing from Kentucky, Thiero can defend multiple positions and brings elite motor — even if his offensive game remains limited.
"He’s a blanket," Garcia said. "You throw him on a guy who’s hot, and he’ll cool him off."
Jamir Watkins 6'6, Florida State, Late 2nd
A versatile, physical defender who Garcia believes could thrive in a lower-usage NBA role. He emphasized Watkins' ability to defend at the point of attack, rebound, and play through contact.
Deep Sleepers & Summer League Targets
While the Lakers have just the No. 55 pick, they have historically done well with second-rounders and undrafted talent. Garcia offered a handful of under-the-radar prospects who could pop at Summer League or on two-way deals:
Hanson Yang 7'0, Qingdao (China), Late 2nd to UDFA
Brooks Barnhizer 6'6, Northwestern, UDFA
Kobe Johnson 6'5, UCLA, Late 2nd to UDFA
Augustas Marciulionis 6'4, St. Mary’s, UDFA
Like what we are doing? You can express your gratitude here.