The Lake Show could solve its biggest roster hole with a player who thrives doing the dirty work Luka Doncic needs most.
Tarris Reed Jr., the UConn center who dominated the glass during March Madness, sits squarely in the Lakers’ crosshairs at pick 25, according to ClutchPoints insider Brett Siegel. The organization wants to replicate what Dallas built around Doncic with Dereck Lively III and Daniel Gafford—rim-running bigs who finish lobs, protect the paint, and don’t need plays called for them. Lakers draft rumors suggest the front office views Reed as that exact archetype.
This makes total sense for Laker Nation. Deandre Ayton underwhelmed throughout the 2025-26 season, flashing the talent that made him the No. 1 overall pick in spurts but disappearing when the purple and gold needed him most. The same motor issues and physicality concerns that followed him from Phoenix haunted his Lakers tenure. You can’t win championships with a center who picks and chooses when to dominate.
Reed offers the antidote. He showcased elite rebounding during UConn’s tournament run, attacked the glass with relentless energy, and finished everything around the rim. More importantly, he runs the floor like a deer, exactly what Doncic exploited in Dallas when defenses collapsed on his drives. Lively and Gafford combined for endless highlight dunks because they sprinted in transition and rolled hard to the rim. Reed does both naturally.
The Mavericks model exposed a blueprint the Lakers must follow. Doncic doesn’t need a center who demands post touches or clogs the paint—he needs a lob threat who makes defenses pay for overplaying the pick and roll. Siegel noted that while Reed flashed shooting potential at UConn, the Lakers would draft him specifically for his above-the-rim skills. That’s the entire point. Doncic creates open dunks, not open threes for his big men.
But Lakers draft rumors always come with complications. Reed will experience growing pains as a rookie adjusting to NBA length and strength. The purple and gold also face pressure to win immediately, especially with LeBron James’ future hanging in limbo this offseason. Can the organization afford to develop a young center when championship windows slam shut fast?
The 25th pick also carries trade value. Some insiders believe the front office might flip it for a veteran contributor who helps now rather than later. Reed’s ceiling looks promising, but his floor means inconsistent minutes and mistakes that cost playoff games. That’s a tough sell when Laker Nation demands banners, not potential.
Still, adding a cheap, young center on a rookie contract who could blossom into Doncic’s perfect partner makes financial and basketball sense. The Lakers need cap flexibility to build around their new superstar. Ayton’s contract situation complicated everything, and overpaying for another veteran big repeats past mistakes. Reed offers high upside without mortgaging the future.
Laker Nation remains split on draft strategy. Some fans want the organization to chase proven talent immediately, arguing championship contenders don’t rely on 25th picks to move the needle. Others believe Reed’s skillset perfectly complements what Doncic does best, and developing him alongside a transcendent playmaker accelerates his growth curve.
The front office must decide whether they trust Reed’s motor and athleticism more than Ayton’s talent and experience. One dominated college basketball with effort and energy. The other continues searching for consistency in year eight. That’s not a difficult choice for a franchise that watched Dallas ride rim-running centers to deep playoff runs.
Do you think the Lakers should draft Tarris Reed Jr., or should they trade pick 25 for immediate help?