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Los Angeles Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka looks on before a game against the Chicago Bulls.
The Los Angeles Lakers are positioning themselves for an aggressive offseason reshaping, with multiple pathways available to retool the roster.
If LeBron James departs in free agency, Los Angeles could generate approximately $51 million in cap space, even after accounting for Austin Reaves’ $20.9 million free agent hold, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
In recent weeks, several high-profile avenues have surfaced. Reports have linked the Lakers to an “all-out pursuit” of Giannis Antetokounmpo, while restricted free agents Peyton Watson and Tari Eason have also emerged as potential targets.
Still, there may be another route that proves just as impactful.
Lakers Could Use Draft Capital to Add Long-Term Frontcourt Piece
At the February trade deadline, the Lakers held only one tradable first-round pick. By draft night, however, that outlook shifts significantly. Los Angeles is set to control three tradable first-round selections in 2026, 2031, and 2033.
Those picks could headline a blockbuster pursuit of a superstar such as Antetokounmpo. Equally, they present an opportunity to inject young, cost-controlled talent into the roster while preserving long-term flexibility.
In his latest mock draft, The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie projected the Lakers to select Michigan big man Morez Johnson Jr. with the 22nd overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Johnson, a sophomore, is averaging 13.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.1 blocks this season while shooting an efficient 65.2% from the field and 36.8% from three-point range, albeit on limited attempts.
The 6-foot-9 forward began his collegiate career at Illinois, where he averaged 7.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks as a freshman before a wrist injury ended his season in February 2025.
He later transferred to Michigan, where his development has accelerated.
“Johnson is one of my favorite players in college basketball,” Vecenie wrote. “He’s one of the most efficient players in the country. He’s a tough rebounder who is physical on the interior and crashes with his long arms.”
“He’s tremendous as a post defender, flying around in help and showcasing switchability on the perimeter. He’s an incredibly versatile player on that end.”
Defensive Fit Could Address Lakers’ Lingering Weakness
Johnson’s defensive profile would immediately appeal to a Lakers team that has struggled with interior physicality throughout the season.
Los Angeles currently ranks 22nd in the NBA in defensive rating at 116.3, highlighting a clear area for improvement.
Vecenie does note that the Michigan standout is “a bit undersized for his role despite his strength and doesn’t have a ton of offensive versatility.”
However, the Lakers’ offensive structure already revolves heavily around Luka Doncic and, potentially, Reaves if he re-signs.
What the roster has lacked at times are defined-role contributors who can defend, rebound, and seamlessly complement star talent.
From that perspective, Johnson profiles as a logical fit.
General manager Rob Pelinka also has connections to Michigan and recently used the Lakers’ final roster spot on former Wolverines guard Kobe Bufkin, suggesting continued familiarity with the program’s pipeline.
Additionally, the recent hiring of former Virginia head coach Tony Bennett as an NBA Draft advisor signals a renewed emphasis on strengthening the franchise through smarter draft strategy.
Bennett, a three-time National Coach of the Year, adds experience to a front office that has faced scrutiny in recent years following first-round selections such as Jalen Hood-Schifino and Dalton Knecht not fully meeting expectations.
Whether the Lakers ultimately package their picks in a major trade or retain them to select emerging prospects like Johnson, the organization appears well-positioned to reshape its roster through multiple avenues this offseason.
Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, based in Paris, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA and wider global sport. More about Matt Evans
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