Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Rob Pelinka, Los Angeles Lakers

After suffering a Game 1 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for a pivotal Game 2 that could shape the direction of the entire Western Conference semifinal series.

Another loss would leave the Lakers under immense pressure heading back home, while a road win could completely swing momentum in the series.

While much of the focus remains on Luka Doncic and his injury status, attention is also beginning to shift toward what could become a defining offseason for the franchise.

Lakers Continue Search for Long-Term Answers

The center position has emerged as one of the Lakers’ clearest roster concerns following an up-and-down season from former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton.

At the same time, Los Angeles is also expected to explore upgrades on the wing this summer.

The Lakers could enter the offseason with more than $50 million in cap space, with several contracts potentially coming off the books, including LeBron James’ $52.6 million salary.

Still, the NBA Draft presents a cost-effective avenue for Los Angeles to strengthen the roster while maintaining long-term financial flexibility.

The Lakers currently own their 2026 first-round pick and are projected to select toward the back end of the first round.

In his latest mock draft, The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie has the Lakers selecting Alabama forward Amari Allen, 20, with the 24th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

“Allen is a terrific Swiss Army knife wing who excites scouts, even though it might make more sense for him to return to school,” Vecenie wrote. “Like a younger Josh Hart, he does a little bit of everything without truly excelling in an area outside of rebounding.”

“NBA teams are always looking for wings who can dribble, pass and shoot while providing at least solid size on the defensive end.”

Amari Allen Could Offer Versatility and Two-Way Upside

Across 32 games this season, Allen averaged 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.0 steal, and just under one block per contest.

He also shot 44.6% from the field and 34.1% from three-point range on 4.3 attempts per game.

The 6-foot-8 wing scored 20 or more points on three occasions during his freshman season, highlighted by a 25-point performance against Vanderbilt in January.

In that game, Allen shot 6-of-11 from the field, knocked down a three-pointer, and went a perfect 12-of-12 from the free-throw line, while also contributing 11 rebounds, four offensive boards, and four assists in a complete all-around effort.

Allen also posted double-digit rebounds in nine games this season, displaying the physicality and energy that could translate effectively to the Lakers’ frontcourt rotation.

Defensively, he consistently flashed two-way potential, contributing across the stat sheet with multiple performances featuring both blocks and steals.

ESPN’s Jeremy Woo has questioned Allen’s offensive ceiling, but noted that “his playmaking flashes and defensive instincts give him a good role-player baseline to build on”.

As the Lakers continue building around Doncic and Austin Reaves, alongside what may be the final chapter of James’ career in Los Angeles, the organization may place greater emphasis on complementary pieces rather than another ball-dominant star.

Versatile, high-motor role players capable of impacting both ends of the floor, like Allen, could help fill several of the roster’s long-standing weaknesses.

If the Lakers keep their pick, the latter stages of the first round could provide multiple intriguing options, with Allen emerging as a particularly strong fit to reinforce the perimeter.