Lakers, LeBron James
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks for a pass while being defended by Sacramento Kings guard Daeqwon Plowden (29) during the second half of NBA game against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, March 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA.
The Los Angeles Lakers are projected to select the Houston Cougars’ Chris Cenac Jr. with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, likely marking their first offseason without LeBron James.
Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman explained why Cenac Jr. would be a perfect fit in JJ Redick’s team, which could use more outside shooting and versatility.
“January was a strong month for Chris Cenac, and the confident shotmaking has carried into February,” wrote the NBA Draft analyst.
“His production is going to fluctuate throughout the season based on Houston’s depth and the freshman’s role. But his tools and skill set will continue to stand out, with Cenac showing clear three-point range, rebounding instincts and athleticism for finishing at the rim.”
Lakers Draft Target: Chris Cenac Jr.
The Lakers have not had much luck with their recent first-round selections. While they didn’t own a pick in 2025, they selected Dalton Knecht in 2024 (No. 17 overall) and Jalen Hood-Schifino (No. 17 overall), neither of which panned out in their favor.
With the likes of Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber and Luke Kennard expected to depart as free agents, the Lakers could definitely bolster their shooting, argued Wasserman.
“Assuming he continues to build on his shooting over the next few years, his archetype seems very translatable to a supporting role, being a 6’11” big who can stretch the floor and provide easy buckets and interior activity.”
There is growing belief in league circles that LeBron James will leave the Lakers to join his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, for his final season next year. According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, the league is preparing for a retirement tour “for the ages” that will see James link up with Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and Evan Mobley.
Lakers Enter Post-LeBron James Era
“I certainly don’t know what he’s going to do,” MacMahon said of James.
“I know what the rampant speculation is around the league, and that is this summer there’s going to be a reunion and potentially a retirement tour for the ages back home again with the Cleveland Cavaliers next year.”
Even Donovan Mitchell is aware of the James to Cavaliers buzz.
“As a Bron fan, to be able to be a teammate would obviously be special, but that’s not something that’s [in] my control,” Mitchell told “SiriusXM NBA Radio” last month.
“I control what we got here, he continued. “There’s always going to be reports. It’s natural, and it’s going to be a thing. But at the end of the day, my main focus right now is trying to get this championship. Whatever happens, it happens. That’s not up to me.”
“That’s not up to anybody else in the locker room,” he said of the James to Cavs chatter. “I’m big on believing in what I can control. But yeah, I mean, it’s LeBron James.”
The Lakers are projected to have in excess of $50M in cap space this offseason, and that’s even after paying impending free agent Austin Reaves. Per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers could target the likes of Andrew Wiggins, Tari Eason, Tobias Harris, Quentin Grimes, Dean Wade and Peyton Watson to shore up their wing depth.
Surely, hitting a home run in the draft will also help them ease into the post-James era.