The Los Angeles Lakers are tied for the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference this season, but there’s still one area of concern. Deandre Ayton has been really solid at center for the team, but he’s not a great defender and doesn’t even attempt to shoot threes.
In the modern NBA, it’s a huge advantage to have a center who can play defense and hit the occasional three. One of the biggest risers in the 2026 NBA Draft class has been North Carolina center Henri Veesaar. Thanks to his size and skill, the Lakers might not have a chance to draft him, but in Sam Vecenie’s mock draft for The Athletic, he projects Los Angeles to land the 7-footer with the No. 28 pick.
“Veesaar was incredibly impressive late last season for Arizona before transferring to North Carolina,” Vecenie wrote. “The Estonian big man is averaging 16 points and 8.5 rebounds while shooting 64.9 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3. He’s also shown up in big games. He was arguably the team’s best player against Michigan State, scoring 13 points and grabbing six rebounds. He had 20 points, four rebounds and four assists against Kansas.
“On Tuesday, he was the best player on the floor against Kentucky, putting up 17 points and 10 rebounds. Defensively, he’s been versatile in ball-screen coverages. Scouts want to see more toughness and for him to embrace being the biggest player on the court. But it’s very hard to find skilled 7-footers like this, and teams are interested.”
Veesaar Recently Drew Praise From UNC Head Coach
Veesaar is from Tallinn, Estonia, and originally came to the States to play at Arizona. He decided to transfer to North Carolina this year, and his game has gone to another level.
Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis has been really impressed with the center.
“[Veesaar] has put a lot of weight and importance on him,” Davis said, via Sports Illustrated . “He’s so huge for us on both ends of the floor. His rebounding is real, his length, his ability not only just to rebound but to keep balls alive up in the air that allows us to be able to get those rebounds. To get to the offensive glass, that’s something that’s always been an emphasis for us. And honestly, with him and Caleb [Wilson], they’re our two best offensive rebounders.”
Lakers Will Likely Try to Add Big Man Before Draft
The Lakers wouldn’t be able to add Veesaar until next season, so it doesn’t help the team now. Ayton is likely good enough to keep the team in contention, but they really need more defense at center.
The Lakers have to get through players like Nikola Jokic, Chet Holmgren, Alperen Sengun and potentially Giannis Antetokounmpo in the Western Conference. They need a big man who can at least make life difficult for those players.
Daniel Gafford continues to be linked to Los Angeles, and he’d be a logical fit due to his relationship with Luka Doncic. The center position looks a lot better for the Lakers if they have Ayton and Gafford to work with.
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