The 2026 NBA Draft Approaches

The 2026 NBA Draft is just around the corner, and it’s shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the league.

For many aspiring players, the childhood dream of stepping onto an NBA court is about to become a reality.

Teams will use their draft picks to select specific players they believe will help secure wins in the upcoming seasons.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, franchises are strategizing to fulfill their long-term goals for the 2026-27 season.

The Lakers, with the 25th pick in the first round, must seize this opportunity to reinforce their roster.

Looking ahead, the Lakers have two main paths to consider for their first-round pick. They could trade for a player who is ready to contend for a title alongside stars like Luka Doncic, or they might opt for a younger prospect that they can develop over time.

If they lean toward the latter, they certainly have some intriguing options.

At the top of their list could be Taris Reed Jr., a college center with the potential to make an immediate impact in the league.

Taris Reed Jr., College Big

2025-26 Statistics (UConn): 14.7 points (60.7% shooting), 9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2 blocks per game over 35 games.

2024-25 Statistics (UConn): 9.6 points (67% shooting), 7.3 rebounds, 1.6 blocks in 35 games.

2023-24 Statistics (Michigan State): 9 points (51.9% shooting) with 7.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 32 games.

2022-23 Statistics (Michigan State): 3.4 points (51.7% shooting), 3.9 rebounds in 34 games.

Measurements: 6’9 ¾” (no shoes), 263 lbs., wingspan of 7’4 ¼”, standing reach at 9’2″.

Why Consider Taris Reed Jr.?

Reed stands out as one of the most physically talented players in this draft class.

At the recent combine, he was among the heaviest participants, and his blend of strength and agility has made him a dominant force in the paint during his college career.

His scoring was notably efficient; Reed shot 63.5% from the field over his two seasons with UConn, leading the Big East in shooting percentage last year. In that time, he’s developed impressive skills around the basket, allowing him to find a variety of scoring opportunities.

With experience gained from playing 136 college games, he knows how to leverage his body to create space and take good shots.

Defensively, Reed’s physical presence shines as he averaged over 1.4 blocks during his college tenure.

While he may not fit the mold of a traditional athlete, he possesses the polish that suggests he can be a contributing big man off the bench for a competitive NBA team.

He doesn’t require many offensive touches to be effective, making him a versatile asset on the court.

Room for Improvement?

That said, Reed’s range is limited; he’s not much of an outside scoring threat, with a free throw percentage averaging just 58.2% in college, indicating some challenges ahead.

While he can switch defensively, his athleticism might not stack up against NBA-level guards and quicker forwards, potentially affecting his defensive effectiveness.

Additionally, he could benefit from refining his finishing ability at the basket, especially when faced with tougher defense.