Best Center Options for the Lakers in the NBA Draft
This summer, the Lakers have a singular goal in mind above all else. The offseason will be viewed as an absolute failure if the team doesn’t enter next season with depth at the center position.
The main priority is a starting caliber center, and unfortunately, with the Lakers only having the 55th pick, they won’t acquire that player through the draft. What they can do in the draft is establish some nice depth and hopefully find a piece for the future.
While these players might not be stars, with new deep pockets and a Lakers coaching staff dedicated to player development, the sky is the limit.
Yanic Konan Niederhauser
6’11 243 lbs | 24-25 Stats: 12.9 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.3 BPG, 61.1% FG
NBA Comp: Nic Claxton
Of all the centers in LA’s range, Yanic Konan Niederhauser would be able to make an instant impact. When considering fit alongside Doncic, this young man fits the bill. First and foremost, Niederhauser is an incredibly gifted athlete who posted a ridiculous 37′ vertical.
7 Foot Junior Yanic Konan Niederhauser is one of the most underrated prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft.
For the season he averaged 13/6/1 along with 2 BPG in only 25 MPG, Yanic also shot 61% from the field
Yanic is one of the best athletes in the class at 7 Feet, who moves… pic.twitter.com/z6mTI4QPoH
— KJ (@KJ__Hoops) April 9, 2025
He shows nice timing as a shot-blocker, is able to maintain verticality, and has strong instincts as a help defender. With the additional ability to play both the hedge and drop in the pick and roll, he would have likely been the best defensive big on the Lakers last season.
Offensively, he won’t blow anybody away with shot-making from all over the court, but around the rim, he’s special. Niederhauser was 61% on shots around the rim and averaged 1.338 PPP, which ranked in the 88th percentile.
His slow foot speed limits him defensively and when moving laterally, but he has the potential to be the perfect Showtime center.
Vladislav Goldin
7’0 253 lbs | 24-25 Stats: 16.6 PPG, 7 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 60.7% FG, 33% 3P
NBA Comp: Mason Plumlee
As the draft has come closer, Goldin has become the player many believe the Lakers will select with the 55th pick. The team could certainly use his seven-foot frame.
Goldin uses his large size to his advantage and pairs it with a noticeably high motor. He would be able to compete with the bigs in the league size-wise on day one. Even Goldin’s hand measurements ranked among the largest in combine history.
Vladislav Goldin is All-Big Ten! He was voted to the first team by the media, while earning second-team honors by the coaches; he adds all-conference second team honors from the Associated Press
Release: https://t.co/CD19UuRjfV#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/w8KEqGgbva
— Michigan Men’s Basketball (@umichbball) March 11, 2025
Offensively, he is elite around the rim. Goldin is 69.3% at the rim in the half-court, 79.4% from the dunker spot, and 57.4% in post-ups. He even slightly developed a three-ball this last season, shooting 33% from three.
While he’s not a lob threat, his fit with Luka would be intriguing. Goldin is great in the pick and roll game, sets heavy screens, and slips into space well.
Defensively, he’s no elite rim protector by any means, but when he was on the floor, Michigan was a better team defensively. He’s able to retain verticality and make the right reads, so he’s certainly not a liability.
Goldin is already 24 and lacks lateral quickness and overall explosive athleticism, so the ceiling is relatively straightforward. With the motor he has, there’s no doubt, he’ll come in day one ready to work.
Hansen Yang
7’1 252 lbs | 24-25 Stats: 16.6 PPG, 10 RPG, 2.8 APG, 2.7 BPG, 59.5% FG
NBA Comp: Walmart Alperen Sengun
Hansen Yang is one of the more interesting prospects in this year’s draft. Yang, a center from China, has made multiple appearances for his national team despite being just 19 years old.
As a rookie in the Chinese Basketball Association in 2024, Yang captured both the Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards. The following year, he made the All-Star Game. He has taken the league by storm.
NEWS: Qingdao’s Hansen Yang has declared for the NBA Draft, Klutch Sports Group told ESPN. The 7’1, 19-year old is averaging 16.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and a league-leading 2.7 blocks per game in the Chinese CBA. pic.twitter.com/T3QUodHDSl
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 16, 2025
Yang’s high-IQ style of play bleeds into both sides of the ball.
On the offensive end, Yang is an above-average passer and utilizes his size and IQ to find and punish mismatches. He’s a great finisher around the rim, shooting 74% on close twos and averaging 1.339 PPP (72nd percentile) while in the dunker spot.
Defensively, he’s an effective rim protector and post defender. He can contest shots without fouling and has strong defensive footwork in the post. Yang held opponents to 46.0% shooting as the primary defender.
Like the other centers on this list, Yang struggles with foot speed and lateral quickness. He’s not a rim-running lob threat, but his IQ makes up for athletic deficiencies. Klutch Sports also represents Yang, so you never know.
