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LA Lakers Get Deandre Ayton Replacement With Top Pick in New ESPN NBA Mock Draft
TL;DR
The LA Lakers are projected to select a replacement for Deandre Ayton in the upcoming NBA draft, according to ESPN's latest mock draft. The team is currently leading their playoff series against the Houston Rockets.
Key points
- LA Lakers projected to select a replacement for Deandre Ayton
- Lakers lead playoff series against Houston Rockets 3-1
- Injuries to Doncic and Reaves impacted Lakers' playoff performance
Los Angeles LakersHouston Rockets
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
In ESPN’s latest NBA mock draft, the Los Angeles Lakers get an interesting replacement for Deandre Ayton in the June event.
This has been a pretty good season for the Lakers. Despite some early bumps in the road and major questions about the team’s chemistry and dedication to defense, LA came on very strong late in the season. However, injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves seemed to end hopes of a deep run in this year’s playoffs. Or so we thought.
Due to the brilliance of LeBron James and some shockingly good play from Luke Kennard, the Lakers actually lead their opening round series against the Houston Rockets 3-1 heading into Game 5 at home on Wednesday. Yet, while the chance of going far in the postseason is back in play, the front office must keep an eye on the impending offseason.
In a couple of months, the team will have to figure out if LeBron James, Austin Reaves, or Deandre Ayton are in their plans after this season. They seem to want James back — at the right price — and are sure to give Reaves a huge pay increase in free agency. Ayton seems like the odd man out. While he has been solid for them in 2025-26, he hasn’t made the case that he would be hard to replace.
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Q&A
Who is the LA Lakers' projected pick to replace Deandre Ayton in the NBA draft?
ESPN's latest mock draft suggests the Lakers will select a top prospect to fill the role of Deandre Ayton.
What is the current status of the LA Lakers in the playoffs?
The Lakers are leading their opening round series against the Houston Rockets 3-1 as they head into Game 5.
How have injuries affected the LA Lakers' playoff chances this season?
Injuries to key players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves initially dampened the Lakers' playoff hopes, but strong performances have revived their chances.