As the Los Angeles Lakers continue to shape their future under new majority owner Mark Walter, they've made an intriguing move by bringing in former NCAA championship coach Tony Bennett as an NBA Draft advisor to general manager Rob Pelinka. With March Madness on the horizon, and the Lakers holding a first-round pick, it's time to focus on some promising prospects they should keep an eye on.
The Lakers are in need of a long-term solution at center. The Deandre Ayton experiment has been hit-or-miss, and while Jaxson Hayes has been solid, his strength is as an energetic big off the bench. Additionally, the team could benefit from more size on the wings.
Let's dive into some of the top prospects in March Madness who could be on the Lakers' radar for the 2026 NBA Draft.
First up is Johnson, a player reminiscent of current Laker Jarred Vanderbilt but with a bit more offensive flair and size. Johnson is the kind of versatile player the Lakers need. He can toggle between power forward and center, much like Vanderbilt does now.
Johnson has made a significant impact defensively for Michigan this season and is projected to go in the late first round, aligning with where the Lakers are likely to pick. His defensive versatility allows him to cover wings and also take on bigger players in the paint.
Offensively, Johnson shines as well. He's a strong finisher around the rim, shooting an impressive 66.7 percent from two-point range. But he's also developed a reliable three-point shot, hitting 41.7 percent from beyond the arc-a skill he honed after not attempting a single three-pointer last year as a freshman.
Johnson should be a top priority for the Lakers. With a late first-round pick, drafting for positional need rather than best player available makes sense.
Next, there's Quaintance, potentially the best center prospect in the draft. However, he's a bit of a mystery. It's uncertain if he'll declare for the draft or return to school, and a significant knee injury has sidelined him for much of the season, putting his March Madness participation in doubt.
If Quaintance declares, he should be a top prospect for the Lakers, though they might need a bit of luck for him to fall to their draft position due to concerns about his injury.
Despite the risks, Quaintance's upside is immense. He's young and fits the mold of a true center.
During his freshman year at Arizona State, he was a defensive force, averaging 2.6 blocks per game. Offensively, he's a strong finisher and would be an excellent lob target for a playmaker like Luka Doncic.
If healthy, Quaintance wouldn't likely be available late in the first round. But if teams are hesitant due to his injury, the Lakers could snag him and potentially hit a home run.
Then there's Ngongba, who in any other draft would be a lottery pick. He's a mobile big with tremendous upside, defensive prowess, and even some playmaking ability. However, the depth of the 2026 draft might cause him to slip to the late first round.
If other prospects are unavailable, Ngongba could be a solid choice for the Lakers. Though raw and needing to bulk up, his talent is undeniable. He's a rim protector, averaging 1.1 blocks this season, and his defensive skills would greatly benefit the Lakers.
Ngongba's current injury status is a concern, as he missed the ACC Tournament and his NCAA Tournament participation is uncertain. It's something to watch if he declares for the draft.
Bidunga is another strong option, known for his imposing size and strength. While he might not have the highest ceiling, he's a reliable NBA rotation big man. His offensive game complements Doncic well, excelling as a finisher and in the pick-and-roll.
Defensively, Bidunga is a paint anchor, solid in man-to-man defense and capable of switching on the perimeter. He's a consistent rebounder, particularly on the defensive end.
Lastly, there's Evans, a 3&D wing with size, fitting a crucial need for the Lakers. If he declares, he should be within the Lakers' draft range.
Evans is having a breakout season, averaging 14.9 points and shooting 36.5 percent from three. He's effective without needing the ball, a great fit alongside Doncic.
Defensively, Evans is a strong on-ball defender and could become a starting wing in the NBA with his two-way skills.
Ultimately, the Lakers' draft strategy will depend on their priorities. If a top player slips, they might go best player available.
But if they focus on positional needs, any of these prospects could be a great fit. With such a deep draft class, the Lakers are in a promising position to bolster their roster.