In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers are poised to secure their future beyond the LeBron James era with a savvy selection in the 2026 NBA Draft. According to the latest mock draft from Bleacher Report, the Lakers are projected to snag Neoklis Avdalas, a 6’9″ Greek sensation from Virginia Tech, with the 25th overall pick. This isn’t just any draft pick—it’s a calculated strike to fill the massive void left by King James, whose retirement looms larger than ever as we close out 2025.
At 41 years old and in his unprecedented 23rd NBA season, LeBron James has been the heart and soul of the Lakers since 2018. But with his contract expiring at the end of the 2025-26 season, the whispers of retirement are turning into roars. ESPN insider Dave McMenamin recently outlined several telling signs: James didn’t seek an extension over the summer, he’s increasingly vocal about family time, and his passion for golf is pulling him away from the hardwood. Even on Christmas Day, LeBron admitted, “Imma be completely honest, I would like to be home on the couch with my family,” in a candid moment that has fans speculating this could be his swan song.
James’ impact is undeniable—he’s still averaging elite numbers alongside stars like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves—but the Lakers’ front office isn’t waiting for the inevitable. Enter Neoklis Avdalas, the 19-year-old phenom who’s drawing comparisons to former NBA standout Hedo Turkoglu for his blend of size, playmaking, and shooting prowess. In his freshman season at Virginia Tech, Avdalas is lighting it up with 14.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game on efficient 44.4% field goal, 37.1% from three, and 68.1% free throw shooting through 12 games.
What makes Avdalas a perfect LeBron heir? His oversized wing frame allows him to orchestrate offenses like a point guard, much like modern stars Luka Doncic, Cade Cunningham, and Paolo Banchero. Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman praises his confidence from deep and scoring versatility: “He’s looked confident from outside with his three-point attempts and range all season, while the ability to separate into/convert two-point pull-up and fallaways creates more scoring versatility.” Wasserman adds that Avdalas’ 4.8 assists per game highlight his translatable playmaking, potentially outweighing concerns about his athleticism at the pro level.
NBA Draft analyst Matt Babcock echoes this hype, calling Avdalas a “polished, high-IQ point forward with a polished scoring package and excellent vision for his size.” Ranked as the second-best small forward prospect by NBADraftroom.com—trailing only potential top-three pick A.J. Dybantsa of BYU—Avdalas has shown flashes of dominance in college and with Peristeri BC in Greece. Sure, there are hurdles like finishing through contact and on-ball defense, but his tools scream upside in today’s positionless NBA.
This draft projection comes at a pivotal time for the Lakers, who are navigating a season where James is no longer the undisputed alpha. If LeBron hangs up his sneakers, Avdalas could slide into a “do-it-all” role, blending scoring, facilitating, and floor-spacing to keep L.A. competitive. The league? They’re clueless about the storm brewing in Hollywood. With Avdalas potentially joining forces with the Lakers’ core, this could redefine the Western Conference for years to come. Buckle up—the post-LeBron era just got a blockbuster upgrade.