Story by
Lakers rumors: Insider views UConn center as LA’s best option in latest mock draft
- Story by
- Lakers rumors: Insider views UConn center as LA’s best option in latest mock draft
Lakers rumors: Insider views UConn center as LA's best option in latest mock draft appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Los Angeles Lakers have some big decisions ahead of them this offseason, including whether or not they want to bring back LeBron James. The Lakers also have the 25th pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, which some have speculated they might try to flip as part of a trade.
Advertisement
If the Lakers end up keeping the pick, ClutchPoints' NBA insider Brett Siegel recently made a projection on who Los Angeles could select at that spot : UConn center Tarris Reed Jr.
Siegel reported that "the Lakers want to add a rim-running big who thrives in pick-and-roll situations so that they can build their own version of what Luka Doncic had in Dallas with Dereck Lively III and Daniel Gafford."
Reed would certainly fit that bill, as he put together a strong NCAA tournament run for the Huskies, showing off elite rebounding skills as well as an ability to finish around the basket and run the floor, all key traits for a center playing next to Doncic.
"While Reed has shown small flashes of shooting potential on the perimeter, the Lakers would be drafting him here for his above-the-rim skills and lob-threat abilities," noted Siegel.
Advertisement
Deandre Ayton was a mixed bag at best during the 2025-26 season in Los Angeles, at times showcasing his intriguing skillset that at one point made him the No. 1 overall pick, but also still dealing with the same concerns regarding motor and physicality that have plagued him throughout his career.
While there might be some understandable growing pains with a player like Reed, adding a young, cheap center who could theoretically turn into the perfect pick and roll partner for Doncic could be a swing worth taking for the Lakers.
Related: ESPN reunites Luka Doncic with ex-Mavericks teammate in game-changing trade
Related: Isiah Thomas calls out NBA for 'manipulating' playoff format to help Lakers back in day
