The 2026 NBA Draft is on the horizon, bringing one of the most significant dates on the league’s calendar. 

Childhood dreams of making it to the NBA will be achieved. 

Teams will turn draft assets into tangible players who they hope will contribute to winning in the short- and long-term future.

And in the background, teams will continue to explore the options that’ll help them achieve their goals for 2026-27. 

For the Lakers, who have a first-round pick in the draft (No. 25), the opportunity the draft presents as it pertains to roster building can’t be whiffed on.  

In their pursuit of assembling a roster that’ll be competitive against the 2026 Western Conference champion Spurs and 2025 NBA champion Thunder, the Lakers have two main options for their first-round pick: trade it for a player who’s ready to compete for a title now alongside Luka Doncic or select a prospect whom they plan to develop and hope will help now and in the future. 

If the Lakers choose the latter, there isn’t a shortage of options. 

Toward the top of that list should be Houston big man Chris Cenac Jr., whose potential and upside may be too enticing for the Lakers to pass on.

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Chris Cenac Jr., Houston big

2025-26 stats: 9.5 points (48.5% shooting — 55.1% on 2s, 33.3% on 3s), 7.9 rebounds, 24.8 minutes

Measurements: 6-foot-10 ¼ (without shoes), 239 pounds, 7-foot-5 wingspan, 9-foot-0 ½ standing reach  

Why draft Chris Cenac Jr.?

Cenac’s mix of size, fluidity and athleticism make him one of the more intriguing long-term prospects who could be available when the Lakers are on the clock with their first-round pick. 

He runs the floor and changes ends like a much smaller player. He’s a constant threat in transition and at the rim — as a lob finisher and straight-line driver — because of his physical tools and motor.

His hustle and willingness to play through contact was evident in his rebounding. Cenac averaged 2.2 offensive rebounds and did well converting second-chance opportunities. 

He showed flashes of reliable shooting from beyond the arc and midrange, with his perimeter shooting being one of the swing skills that’ll determine whether he reaches his potential. 

His ball-handling skills are more advanced than most players his size.

Cenac should be able to switch onto perimeter players in the NBA because of his size, quickness and effort.

He isn’t a traditional rim protector for a big man, but he showcased the ability to be a weakside shot blocker. 

The Lakers know they need to get younger and more athletic to keep up in the Western Conference, and Cenac would address both of those areas.

It’s important to point out that Cenac is repped by WME, the same agency that represents Doncic as well as Lakers big men Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes.

Areas of improvement?

Cenac needs to get stronger to be a reliable big-man option.

He hustles and has a high motor, but needs to strengthen his frame to keep up with the NBA’s physicality and be able to play with force at the next level. 

His offensive game needs significant development: His lack of polish led to inconsistencies with his scoring.

The tools and potential — from his passing to shooting — are evident, but he isn’t a reliable offensive creator because of the inconsistencies. 

His 62.1% free-throw shooting with Houston is discouraging when it comes to hopes of him becoming a reliable perimeter shooter.

He also struggled with his non-dunk finishes, showing a lack of touch.

Cenac needs a team that’ll be patient with his development.