When it comes to offseason discussions surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers, most of the talk has been about stars LeBron James and Austin Reaves, who are both headed for free agency after the current campaign.
James and Reaves aren’t the only Lakers player facing uncertain futures, though. The Lakers have several other guys headed for free agency and a couple of others with player options for next season that they could turn down in favor of free agency, including starting center Deandre Ayton.
Ayton has been a bit up-and-down throughout his first season in L.A., and there’s a real possibility that the Lakers could look to upgrade the position over the offseason. They could potentially accomplish that in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft.
Lakers Select North Carolina Center Henri Veesaar in First Round of 2026 NBA Mock Draft
GettyDURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 07: Cameron Boozer #12 of the Duke Blue Devils attempts a shot against Henri Veesaar #13 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the second half of the game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Durham, North Carolina.
In the first round of a new mock draft for ESPN, Jeremy Woo has the Lakers selecting North Carolina senior center Henri Veesaar.
Veesaar started in 31 games for the Tar Heels in 2025 and averaged 17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 blocks per performance. He was named Second-team All-ACC as a result of his productive play.
“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. He has above-average athleticism and offensive skill for his size and should also be able to hold up defensively in drop coverage. The functionality he offers on both ends should allow him to plug into a rotation next season,” Woo wrote.
“The Lakers have some roster uncertainty rolling into next season with LeBron James and likely Austin Reaves (player option) entering free agency. 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 the roster lacks up front.”
Deandre Ayton Has an $8 Million Player Option for 2026-27 NBA Season
Veesar would provide a major improvement over Ayton when it comes to spacing the floor. He shot an impressive 42 percent from long range for North Carolina last season, while Ayton is a career 23 percent shooter from long range. He has made a total of 28 3-pointers in his NBA career and zero in a Lakers jersey.
Ultimately though, Ayton’s future is in his own hands. If he wants to play another season with the Lakers at a reasonable rate of $8 million, he could pick up his player option for next season (though the Lakers could always try to trade him if he does that).
If he wants to test the waters and potentially land a deal with a bit more long-term security, he could turn down the option in favor of unrestricted free agency. It will be interesting to see what he decides to do.
Lakers Add Deandre Ayton Replacement in First Round of 2026 NBA Mock Draft