Through the first three-fourths of the 2025-26 season, the Los Angeles Lakers have not gotten the desired production from starting center Deandre Ayton. Despite efficient scoring, Ayton’s defensive effort and fit alongside Luka Dončić have been heavily questioned. As the 2026 NBA Draft approaches, the Lakers are being linked to high-upside young talent to address the frontcourt.
In a recent mock draft from Christopher Kline (Fansided), Los Angeles is projected to select 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara from Michigan with the 21st overall pick.
“The Deandre Ayton experience has predictably soured in L.A., despite his efficient scoring. Ayton simply will never buy into the Luka Dončić sidekick role the Lakers need from their center. Aday Mara just might, with upside well beyond his draft slot if everything goes to plan,” Kline wrote.
Aday Mara’s Breakout Season at Michigan
After two relatively quiet years at UCLA, Mara transferred to Michigan and has exploded in 2025-26. In 31 games, the Spanish big man is averaging:
- 11.3 points
- 6.9 rebounds
- 2.4 assists
- 2.6 blocks
- 67.3% field goal shooting
He has been a dominant interior defender for a Michigan team consistently ranked in the top 5 of the AP Poll, holding opponents to just 69.1 points per game. Mara recently helped Michigan win the Big Ten tournament with a strong performance: 19 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks on 8-of-9 shooting.
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Kline praised Mara’s defensive profile: “Mara is one of the most dominant interior defenders in college basketball. He will need to stay out of foul trouble at the next level, but he moves smoothly in drop coverage and presents a significant deterrent at the rim.”
Offensively, Mara isn’t a high-flying lob threat like some centers Dončić has thrived with in the past, but he brings soft hands, a wide frame, finesse scoring out of pick-and-rolls, and elite passing vision for a big man — skills that could open new dimensions next to Dončić and Austin Reaves.
The Ayton Situation & Alternative Options
Ayton’s struggles, particularly on defense and his recent comments comparing his role to Clint Capela, have fueled speculation about his future in purple and gold. Meanwhile, backup center Jaxson Hayes has earned praise from scouts and analysts for his fit as a lob threat and willing defender alongside Dončić.
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Sources around the league have told Heavy Sports that the Lakers would be better off starting Hayes over Ayton right now. With Ayton on a modest $8.1 million deal this season, the team has flexibility this offseason — whether through a trade, free agency, or the draft.
Adding Mara would give the Lakers a long-term defensive anchor with intriguing passing upside, exactly the kind of “towering reinforcement” many fans have been hoping for in the paint.
The 2026 NBA Draft is still months away (June 2026), and mocks can change quickly — especially with March Madness just beginning. But if Mara continues dominating at Michigan, the Lakers’ interest at pick 21 could become very real.
Would you like me to expand this into a longer analysis, add player comps, or write a version focused on how Mara would fit next to Luka Dončić? Just let me know!