In ESPN’s latest NBA mock draft, the Los Angeles Lakers get an interesting replacement for Deandre Ayton in the June event.
This has been a pretty good season for the Lakers. Despite some early bumps in the road and major questions about the team’s chemistry and dedication to defense, LA came on very strong late in the season. However, injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves seemed to end hopes of a deep run in this year’s playoffs. Or so we thought.
Due to the brilliance of LeBron James and some shockingly good play from Luke Kennard, the Lakers actually lead their opening round series against the Houston Rockets 3-1 heading into Game 5 at home on Wednesday. Yet, while the chance of going far in the postseason is back in play, the front office must keep an eye on the impending offseason.
In a couple of months, the team will have to figure out if LeBron James, Austin Reaves, or Deandre Ayton are in their plans after this season. They seem to want James back — at the right price — and are sure to give Reaves a huge pay increase in free agency. Ayton seems like the odd man out. While he has been solid for them in 2025-26, he hasn’t made the case that he would be hard to replace.
That is probably why ESPN’s new NBA mock draft has the Lakers selecting Ayton’s replacement with their first-round pick.
“The Lakers have some roster uncertainty rolling into next season with James and likely Reaves (player option) entering free agency. The most obvious need is at center, where they stand to upgrade beyond the mercurial Deandre Ayton,” Jeremy Woo writes. “Henri Veesaar would upgrade their skill level and add a floor-spacing element the roster lacks up front.”
The North Carolina center 7-feet and 225 pounds. The junior had a breakout year for the Tar Heels after transferring from Arizona. Posting 17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and shooting 42% from three.
Report Opens Door to NY Knicks Replacing Mitchell Robinson With St. John’s Star in Draft
Stephen A. Smith Warns Against Overreacting If the Knicks Lose to Boston in the Playoffs
Feds Ready Superseding Bribery Charges Against NBA Star Terry Rozier in Gambling Probe