Los Angeles Lakers Projected to Draft Chris Cenac Jr. With No. 21 Pick in 2026 NBA Draft as Post-LeBron Era Looms

The Los Angeles Lakers could be preparing for a major transition in the franchise’s future. According to projections for the 2026 NBA Draft, the Lakers are expected to select Chris Cenac Jr., a promising big man from the Houston Cougars men’s basketball program, with the No. 21 overall pick.

The potential selection could also symbolize the start of a new chapter for the Lakers organization, as the upcoming offseason may mark the team’s first without superstar LeBron James after more than half a decade of leadership.

NBA draft analyst Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report believes Cenac Jr. would be an ideal addition for head coach JJ Redick’s system thanks to his shooting ability, size, and versatility — three qualities the Lakers could desperately need moving forward.

Why Chris Cenac Jr. Fits the Lakers’ Future Plans

Chris Cenac Jr. has steadily built momentum during the 2025–26 college basketball season. His development as a scorer and shooter has caught the attention of scouts across the league.

According to Wasserman, the young big man experienced a strong surge in form early in the year.

“January was a strong month for Chris Cenac, and the confident shotmaking has carried into February,” the draft analyst explained.

While Cenac’s statistics may fluctuate throughout the season due to the depth of Houston’s roster and his role as a freshman, his skill set continues to stand out.

Wasserman highlighted several key traits that make Cenac an intriguing NBA prospect:

• Three-point shooting range for a 6-foot-11 big

• Strong rebounding instincts

• Athleticism when finishing at the rim

• Ability to stretch the floor offensively

These attributes align well with the modern NBA style, where big men are increasingly expected to shoot from the perimeter and contribute in multiple areas of the game.

For the Lakers, adding a player with Cenac’s versatility could help solve one of their biggest long-term roster issues — floor spacing and frontcourt depth.

Lakers Looking to Improve Shooting and Depth

The Lakers have struggled to find consistent value from recent first-round selections.

In 2024, Los Angeles selected Dalton Knecht with the 17th overall pick, and in 2023 they chose Jalen Hood‑Schifino at the same position. Unfortunately, neither player has developed into a long-term difference-maker for the franchise so far.

The team did not own a first-round selection in the 2025 draft, making the upcoming 2026 draft even more important.

Meanwhile, the Lakers could lose several key rotation players in free agency this offseason, including:

• Rui Hachimura

• Maxi Kleber

• Luke Kennard

If those players depart, Los Angeles will need to rebuild its wing depth and perimeter shooting.

That is why analysts believe Cenac’s archetype could translate well into the Lakers’ lineup.

“Assuming he continues to build on his shooting over the next few years, his archetype seems very translatable to a supporting role,” Wasserman wrote.

A 6’11” stretch big who can rebound, run the floor, and knock down open shots could become a valuable complementary piece next to the Lakers’ existing core.

Rumors Grow About LeBron James Leaving Los Angeles

Adding further intrigue to the Lakers’ offseason plans is the growing speculation surrounding LeBron James’ future.

Many around the league believe the four-time NBA champion could leave Los Angeles to reunite with his original team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, for what may be his final NBA season.

According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, league insiders are already discussing the possibility of a historic retirement tour if James returns to Cleveland.

“I certainly don’t know what he’s going to do,” MacMahon said when discussing James’ future.

“I know what the rampant speculation is around the league, and that is this summer there’s going to be a reunion — potentially a retirement tour for the ages back home again with the Cleveland Cavaliers next year.”

If that scenario becomes reality, James could join a Cavaliers roster that already features star players such as Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and Evan Mobley.

Such a move would mark a full-circle moment for the NBA legend, who began his career in Cleveland before returning there in 2014 and leading the franchise to its first championship in 2016.

Donovan Mitchell Responds to LeBron Reunion Rumors

While speculation continues, Donovan Mitchell has made it clear that his focus remains on winning with the current Cavaliers roster.

During an interview with SiriusXM NBA Radio, Mitchell addressed the possibility of playing alongside LeBron James.

“As a Bron fan, to be able to be a teammate would obviously be special,” Mitchell said.

However, he also emphasized that the situation is outside of his control.

“I control what we’ve got here,” Mitchell explained. “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.”

Mitchell also acknowledged the massive impact James has on the league.

“Whatever happens, it happens. That’s not up to me,” he said. “But yeah, I mean, it’s LeBron James.”

Lakers Preparing for the Post-LeBron Era

If James ultimately leaves Los Angeles, the Lakers will officially enter the post-LeBron era, something the organization has not experienced since he joined the team in 2018.

Fortunately, the franchise could have significant financial flexibility to reshape the roster.

According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, the Lakers are projected to have more than $50 million in salary-cap space this offseason — even after potentially re-signing key guard Austin Reaves.

With that financial freedom, the team could target several impactful players in free agency to strengthen its wing rotation, including:

• Andrew Wiggins

• Tari Eason

• Tobias Harris

• Quentin Grimes

• Dean Wade

• Peyton Watson

Adding talent through both free agency and the NBA Draft could help the Lakers remain competitive during their transition period.

Importance of the 2026 NBA Draft for Los Angeles

For the Lakers, the 2026 NBA Draft may prove to be one of the most important drafts in recent franchise history.

If LeBron James departs, the team will need to rely more heavily on young talent and long-term development.

Selecting a player like Chris Cenac Jr. could provide:

• A modern stretch big with long-term upside

• Improved floor spacing for the offense

• Rebounding and defensive activity in the frontcourt

• A young cornerstone piece for the future

While rookies rarely transform a team overnight, hitting on a first-round draft pick could significantly accelerate the Lakers’ rebuilding process.

A New Chapter May Be Coming for the Lakers

The upcoming offseason could bring dramatic changes to the Los Angeles Lakers organization.

With rumors surrounding LeBron James’ possible departure, major salary-cap flexibility, and a key first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the franchise is approaching a critical turning point.

If the Lakers select Chris Cenac Jr., they may be taking their first step toward building the next generation of Lakers basketball.

And as the team prepares for life after one of the greatest players in NBA history, the success of that transition could depend heavily on smart drafting, strong player development, and strategic roster moves in the years ahead.