Lakers’ Future: 2 NBA Draft Prospects That Fit Perfectly Around Luka Doncic

As the 2026 NBA Draft approaches and the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves out of title contention, the future of the franchise is squarely in focus. While the immediate future might seem uncertain, especially with LeBron James nearing the end of his illustrious career, the Lakers have their sights set on building a team around one of the most talented young superstars in the game—Luka Doncic.

Luka’s potential as a franchise centerpiece is undeniable. The 2026 season will likely be pivotal, with discussions about LeBron James’ future swirling. Whether James decides to retire, continue playing for a few more years, or move on from the Lakers, it seems clear that Los Angeles is poised to reshape its roster with Doncic as the focal point.

Here’s a look at two potential draft prospects who could help the Lakers build around Luka Doncic’s game.

Lakers’ Plan for the Future

Before diving into the prospects, it’s important to understand the Lakers’ approach moving forward. According to The Athletic’s Dan Woike and Sam Amick, the Lakers’ goals for the immediate future are straightforward but crucial:

• Better Center Play: The Lakers need a true lob threat at the center position, similar to what Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II bring to the table. The focus will be on big men with a strong skill set and injury histories that don’t raise red flags.
• Two-Way Defensive Players: Los Angeles is looking for wings who can contribute on both ends of the floor. They need players who bring athleticism and energy defensively, while also being reliable shooters on the offensive end.
• Secondary Playmaker: With Luka Doncic likely taking on the primary ball-handling duties, the Lakers are looking to find a secondary playmaker who can facilitate the offense and complement Doncic’s skill set.

Currently, the Lakers are armed with the No. 25 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and while this may not be a high lottery pick, it presents an opportunity to find valuable pieces for the future.

Henri Veesaar: The Big Man from North Carolina

One player who could perfectly fit the Lakers’ needs is North Carolina’s Henri Veesaar. A 7-footer with an impressive skill set, Veesaar entered the draft instead of returning to Chapel Hill, and the Lakers could be the perfect landing spot for him. Given that several top-tier centers will be part of the 2027 NBA Draft class, Veesaar could be a high-value pick if he falls to No. 25.

Veesaar has the physical tools that the Lakers are looking for—his size and athleticism allow him to be a strong lob threat and presence in the paint. While his game still has some room for growth, his potential to develop into a dominant center alongside Doncic makes him a fascinating prospect. With a clean injury history, Veesaar could provide the Lakers with a much-needed big man who can contribute both defensively and offensively, allowing the Lakers to address their center play issues.

Rueben Chinyelu: The Florida Center with Massive Upside

Another intriguing option for the Lakers is Florida’s 7-foot center, Rueben Chinyelu. Like Veesaar, Chinyelu has the physical attributes that could make him an excellent fit for the Lakers. The big man has displayed great promise during his time at Florida, and with his size and skill set, he could be a versatile addition to the Lakers’ frontcourt.

Chinyelu has a big decision to make: stay at Florida for another season and potentially lead the Gators’ frontcourt, or declare for the draft. If he’s still available at No. 25, the Lakers would be wise to consider him. While he may need some time to develop, his potential as a two-way player could be a perfect complement to Luka Doncic. His ability to impact both ends of the floor with his shot-blocking and rebounding, coupled with his raw offensive potential, makes him a high-upside pick.

Lakers’ Vision: Building Around Luka Doncic

As Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka stated, the team’s roster will be “retrofitted around Luka and the things he needs.” This reflects the organization’s commitment to building a team that is centered around the superstar guard, who has quickly established himself as one of the best players in the NBA.

While LeBron James’ future with the Lakers remains uncertain, it’s clear that the front office is preparing for a post-LeBron era. Luka Doncic is viewed as the player to lead the franchise forward. The Lakers’ draft strategy will undoubtedly revolve around finding complementary pieces who can grow alongside Doncic and help elevate the team’s competitiveness.

The importance of this draft cannot be understated. The Lakers will need to identify players who not only fit their immediate needs but who also have long-term potential. With the No. 25 pick, Los Angeles is looking for value, and both Henri Veesaar and Rueben Chinyelu represent intriguing options.

The Lakers’ 2026 Draft Outlook

The 2026 NBA Draft will be a critical moment in the Lakers’ rebuilding process. With the uncertainty surrounding LeBron James’ future, it’s essential that the team builds a foundation for the years to come. Luka Doncic, as the centerpiece, will be the key to that future.

The Lakers are focused on upgrading their center position, finding two-way players who can impact both sides of the floor, and locking in a secondary playmaker to complement Doncic. With their pick at No. 25, they have a chance to secure a valuable piece for this future.

Whether it’s Henri Veesaar or Rueben Chinyelu, the Lakers will be looking for a player who can fit seamlessly into a lineup centered around Luka. The future is bright for Los Angeles, and the 2026 NBA Draft could be the first step toward building a new dynasty, post-LeBron.