Lakers considered a 7-foot-4 center move before a dramatic U-turn, sources say.

The Los Angeles Lakers are actively preparing for the 2026 NBA Draft, highlighting a possible move of future draft capital—potentially including the No. 25 pick—in exchange for established talent, or alternatively readying for a straight selection on draft night. The team has conducted extensive pre-draft workouts, reportedly evaluating up to 27 prospects, including late first-round and early second-round candidates such as Zuby Ejiofor, Alex Karaban, and Baba Miller, as part of their broader frontcourt reinforcement search.

A notable development is the Lakers’ planned pre-draft workout with Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas, who sits near the Lakers’ current pick on major draft boards. The frontcourt theme also involved evaluating 7-foot-4 center Luigi Suigo, who later withdrew from the draft to commit to Villanova for 2026-27, leaving the door open for continued interest from the Lakers and other teams. While Suigo’s short-term availability remained uncertain, ESPN’s top-100 projections place him as a potential late-first-to-early-second-round target, underscoring the Lakers’ interest in adding versatile interior talent.

Looking ahead, the Lakers face a key decision: whether to leverage the No. 25 pick for immediate help or retain it to cultivate a long-term, cost-effective frontcourt option. Injuries to potential draftees, including Adou Thiero, add complexity to their evaluation. Overall, if the Lakers keep the pick, frontcourt depth is expected to be a high priority for Rob Pelinka and the organization as they pursue a durable solution in the paint.

Key Takeaways
– Lakers exploring both trading the No. 25 pick for established players and drafting to build depth.
– Extensive pre-draft workouts include nearly 27 prospects; focus on late-first/early-second-round talent and frontcourt depth.
– Luigi Suigo’s withdrawal from the draft affects the center options, while Meleek Thomas remains a noteworthy potential target near the Lakers’ pick.
– Injury concerns around prospects influence risk assessment, shaping the Lakers’ draft strategy and roster planning.