With March Madness upon us, now is the perfect time for NBA scouts and fans to monitor premier talent competing in the NCAA Tournament. With one first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and several glaring needs to address, here’s an overview of four prospects the Los Angeles Lakers could consider.
Lakers’ Needs Ahead of 2026 NBA Draft
Even with roughly 15 games remaining in the regular season (ahead of what’s hopefully a deep playoff run), the Lakers’ biggest needs are undeniably up front. Deandre Ayton appears to have turned a corner amid a season of inconsistency. Jaxson Hayes has made a positive impact as the primary backup five. And Maxi Kleber has surprised many with his decent spot minutes.
Still, Hayes and Kleber are set to enter free agency while Ayton has an $8 million player option at the end of this season, meaning the team’s depth in the middle could very well change again. Combine that with the uncertain future of LeBron James and the pending free agency of Rui Hachimura, and the Lakers could target prospects at the four in addition to the five. With all that in mind, the following four prospects have all flashed first-round potential and could play key roles toward their teams’ respective title pursuits.
Patrick Ngongba II – 6’11”, C, Duke
Potentially returning for March Madness after missing the ACC Tournament with foot soreness, Patrick Ngongba II is a sturdy, defensive-minded big with a growing offensive game. He protects the paint well with an average of 1.1 blocks per game, and his reported 7’4” wingspan allows him to disrupt passing lanes and crash the glass early and often.
Offensively, Ngongba is an efficient interior scorer (66.4% 2PT) who gets buckets from the post and off of pick-and-rolls. He’s also an intriguing playmaker (1.9 APG) who makes precise reads from the perimeter and in high-low situations. He has a lot to work on in regards to his shooting, mobility and overall health, but the Lakers could conceivably take a flier on yet another Blue Devil.
Morez Johnson Jr. – 6’9”, PF/C, Michigan
Michigan’s Morez Johnson Jr. has stepped up for the Wolverines, having averaged 13.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.2 blocks across 33 games. The sophomore forward-center has shot nearly 63% from the field, 39% from three (11-of-28) and 78% from the free-throw line.
An athletic big man with a high motor, elite defense and decent shooting, Johnson Jr. checks the boxes for what the Lakers need up front. His shot-blocking and switchability would be particularly useful for coach JJ Redick, who’s employed a variety of strategies and lineups to turn the team’s defense around, including small-ball out of necessity. He still has room to grow offensively as a floor spacer and playmaker, but the tools and potential are all there to take this year’s class by surprise.
Chris Cenac Jr. – 6’11”, PF/C, Houston
Houston forward Chris Cenac Jr. holds plenty of upside as a 19-year-old freshman, something the Lakers could certainly capitalize on as they prepare for the next era. Cenac has averaged 9.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game while shooting 49% from the field, 34% from three and 56% from the free-throw line.
A mobile and versatile big on both ends of the floor, Cenac has drawn attention for his athleticism, floor spacing and defense. His rim-running has some believing he could be a prime pick-and-roll partner alongside Luka Doncic, while his shot blocking and perimeter shooting make him a rare potential 3-and-D threat for his size. His poor free-throw shooting, limited three-point volume (2.5 per game) and low playmaking (0.8 APG) are causes for concern, but Cenac deserves to be considered as a solid fit for the purple and gold.
Motiejus Krivas – 7’2”, C, Arizona
Yet another defense-first big with size and strength to boot, Arizona’s Motiejus Krivas is one of the most intriguing center prospects in the class and someone the Lakers should monitor. At 7’2” and 260 pounds, the junior has averaged 10.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.0 assists while shooting 58% from the field, 33% from deep and 78% from the charity stripe.
Krivas thrives in drop coverage and boasts a reported 7’6” wingspan that makes him an immediate deterrent at the rim, with size and speed to challenge opponents in the paint. While defending without fouling remains an issue for him (90 fouls vs. 86 “stocks”—62 blocks, 24 steals), Krivas has the tools that could translate well to the next level. Offensively, he has a softer touch at the rim—preferring jump hooks to jams—but he uses his size to his advantage as a back-to-the-basket center. If he can increase his scoring versatility and improve his mobility, Krivas could add a unique dimension to the Lakers’ frontcourt should they draft him.
