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The latest ESPN NBA mock draft has been released, and analyst Jeremy Woo projected the Los Angeles Lakers to address their frontcourt needs.
Woo predicts the Lakers will draft North Carolina star center Henri Veesaar with the 25th overall pick in the first round.
"Veesaar told reporters at the combine he will stay in the draft rather than return to North Carolina under new coach Michael Malone. Coming off a productive season, he has built solid first-round momentum, measuring as one of the tallest players at the combine. As a near 7-footer who shot 42.6% from 3 last season, he projects as a functional rotation big man with a more tangible floor-spacing profile than the other centers in the class.
"The Lakers lack wing defenders and also need help at center, something they could address with this pick, depending on which players fall here. Veesaar could figure into their rotation next season."
Could Henri Veesaar be an upgrade to the Lakers' center position?
The Lakers desperately need upgrades regarding the wing and center positions, and they address one of those needs in this mock draft.
The junior center played his final college season in Chapel Hill after transferring from Arizona. Veesaar had a spectacular individual season as a Tar Heel.
Veesaar made a name for himself as he was one of the five finalists for the Naismith Hall of Fame's Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award as the top center in the country.
He could be of help to any NBA team, considering he is an agile player known for his offensive versatility, elite efficiency inside and floor spacing potential. Veesaar is an ideal center for today's game, and on the surface, he would be a tremendous fit for the Lakers.
The 22-year-old hails from Estonia. This past season, Veesaar averaged 17 points per game, 8.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 blocks while shooting 60 percent from the field in 31 games.
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