Rob Pelinka, Los Angeles Lakers
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Los Angeles Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka looks on before a game against the Chicago Bulls.
The Los Angeles Lakers have cycled through a number of frontcourt options in recent years, with the center position becoming something of a revolving door.
Last offseason, Deandre Ayton was brought in with hopes of providing a long-term solution. Instead, his inconsistent performances have drawn increasing scrutiny and raised questions about his future in Los Angeles.
The Lakers could also enter the offseason with league-leading cap space, depending on the potential departure of LeBron James.
ESPN’s Kevin Pelton has already identified the center position as the team’s most pressing need in free agency.
For a Lakers franchise aiming to build a sustainable contender, however, the NBA Draft could present another pathway to add young, affordable talent while maintaining financial flexibility.
Lakers Should Target Second-Round Frontcourt Option
The Lakers currently control their 2026 first-round pick and are projected to select towards the back end of the round.
While Los Angeles has been linked with several wing options in recent mock drafts, there may be a more direct solution to its frontcourt issues.
Although the Lakers’ 2026 second-round pick is owed to the Golden State Warriors through prior trades, the organization has regularly acquired late picks via cash considerations in recent years.
That approach could open the door to targeting St. John’s standout Zuby Ejiofor, a prospect gaining traction as a potential second-round selection.
The senior center is averaging 16.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.2 blocks through 35 games this season, while shooting an efficient 55% from the field and 32% from three-point range.
After earning Big East Most Improved Player and First-Team All-Big East honors in his first season with St. John’s, Ejiofor has taken another step forward this year.
As St. John’s emerged as one of the top teams in the country, with Ejiofor at the center of its success, the 21-year-old captured both the 2026 Big East Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards.
He was also named First-Team All-Big East once again, earned All-Defensive Team honors and was named Tournament MVP as St. John’s secured the conference championship.
Additionally, he received AP Honorable Mention All-American recognition.
Zuby Ejiofor Offers Intriguing Two-Way Potential
In St. John’s dominant first-round win over Northern Iowa on Friday, Ejiofor recorded 14 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks in 28 minutes, continuing his strong form on the national stage.
Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman has projected Ejiofor to the Los Angeles Clippers with the 38th pick in his latest mock draft.
His combination of size and two-way versatility could appeal to a Lakers team looking to reinforce its frontcourt depth moving forward.
Despite being a senior, Ejiofor is still just 21-years-old and offers a blend of immediate impact and long-term upside.
He fits the mold of an energetic, physical rim runner who could complement the Lakers’ core of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves while continuing to develop his role over time.
His experience playing under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, alongside a seasoned head coach in Rick Pitino, could also help ease the transition to a high-pressure environment like Los Angeles.
Sports Illustrated’s Derek Parker recently wrote that the St. John’s forward/center is “tough, physical, brings the energy and simple winning-impact, should be good enough for teams to bet on at the 2026 NBA Draft.”
While slightly undersized for a traditional center role at 6-foot-9, Ejiofor’s relentless motor and physical style stand out.
His impact on the glass has been particularly notable, averaging 3.3 offensive rebounds per game this season after posting 4.4 per game last year, a figure that led the nation.
For a Lakers team balancing immediate playoff ambitions with long-term roster building, a high-energy prospect like Ejiofor could represent a low-cost, high-upside addition capable of strengthening the frontcourt while adding valuable depth for the future.