The Los Angeles Lakers are projected to use the 25th pick in the NBA Draft to potentially select North Caroline center Henri Veesaar, as mock drafts link him to their need for frontcourt size, shooting, and versatility.
The Los Angeles Lakers will pick 25th in the upcoming NBA Draft after finishing fourth in the Western Conference during the regular season and being eliminated in the second round of the playoffs.
Still, the main question remains: whom will they select?
Some mock draft experts believe the Lakers could target a center.
According to Jeremy Woo of ESPN, the Lakers may consider Henri Veesaar from North Carolina.
“Veesaar comes off a productive season at North Carolina and will offer sheer size and viable shooting (42.6% from 3) in a draft that has become light on true centers,” Woo wrote. “He has above-average athleticism and offensive skill for his size, plus he should also be able to hold up defensively in drop coverage.
“The most obvious need is at center, where they stand to upgrade beyond the mercurial Deandre Ayton. Veesaar would upgrade their skill level and add a floor-spacing element that the roster lacks up front.”
Sam Vecenie of The Athletic echoed that sentiment.
“Veesaar is projecting like he prefers to stay in the 2026 draft, and he’d be a pretty excellent fit as a floor-spacing complement for the Lakers with all of their perimeter talent,” Vecenie wrote.
“At 7-foot, Veesaar moves very well for his size and also has a high-end skill set that involves both passing (as he averaged 2.1 assists per game) and shooting from distance.”
The 22-year-old center from Estonia averaged 17 points and 8.7 rebounds per game last season at North Carolina.
He previously spent three seasons with the Arizona Wildcats after developing in Real Madrid’s youth system.
Only two players from Estonia have ever played in the NBA: Henri Drell and Martin Muursepp.
Last year, the Lakers selected wing Adou Thiero with the 36th pick.
The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 23-24.
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