2 NBA Draft prospects who exactly fit the Lakers needs to build around Luka Doncic

2 NBA Draft prospects who exactly fit the Lakers needs to build around Luka Doncic originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

With the Los Angeles Lakers now out of title contention, the main focus is full steam ahead for the 2026 NBA Draft. This will be a transition year for many reasons. One of the biggest is the status of LeBron James. One of three possibilities is on the table with The King living out the end of his career in LA, going elsewhere for a few struggling years, or calling it a career after 23 years in the league.

Regardless of whichever direction James goes in, there will be a concerted effort to build around Luka Doncic. The NBA superstar, who was out for most of the playoffs, hasn't lived up to the Lakers hype thus far. For now, gathering a few pieces will be a top priority.

What's the Lakers' plan for the immediate future?

"There is a desire for better center play, true lob threats who mimic the skills of Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II (with cleaner injury histories)," according to . "There is a desire for true two-way defensive players, wings with athleticism and energy on the defensive end and a sweet shooting stroke on the offensive side of the ball. And there’s a desire to lock in a long-term secondary playmaker next to Doncic."