The future of the Los Angeles Lakers is much more interesting now that the Buss family has sold the majority ownership of the franchise to Mark Walter. It’s hard to imagine the new ownership will move on from general manager Rob Pelinka so quickly, but he doesn’t have nearly the job security he had before.
His first chance to show new ownership that he deserves to stick around is the upcoming NBA Draft on June 25. The Lakers don’t hold a first-round pick in the draft, so there won’t be too much pressure to land a star, but landing a rotational player with a late second-round pick would certainly be a good first impression to Walter.
It’s no secret that the Lakers’ biggest need is at center. Jaxson Hayes is a free agent, and it’s hard to imagine the team wants to bring him back after his performance in the playoffs.
It’s unlikely Los Angeles finds their starting center with the No. 55 pick in the second round, but they could find a young player to develop. Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo of ESPN put together a two-round mock draft ahead of the draft, and they project the Lakers to select Clemson center Viktor Lakhin.
A Diamond in the Rough
Lakhin, who began his college career at Cincinnati before transferring to Clemson, brings a rare skill set for a second-round pick. Hailing from Russia and standing at an imposing 6-foot-11, Lakhin has been in the United States since 2020, honing his game and adapting to the American style of play. His combination of size, shooting touch, and defensive instincts makes him a perfect fit for the modern NBA—and a potential steal for the Lakers.
Last season at Clemson, Lakhin showcased his offensive versatility, knocking down 37.5% of his 3-point attempts. According to NBA.com’s scouting report, “Lakhin has developed into a versatile big man. He’s a smart and accurate passer, can hit 3s and knows how to play in the post.” This ability to stretch the floor while also scoring in the paint gives the Lakers a dynamic option at center, addressing a glaring need after Jaxson Hayes’ lackluster playoff performance and impending free agency.
Defensively, Lakhin is no slouch either. Primarily a rim protector, he has the mobility to switch onto perimeter players without getting exposed. NBA.com describes him as “a theoretical 3-and-D big who can also do a bit of playmaking and score on smaller defenders in the paint.” Comparisons to versatile big men like Al Horford and Lamar Odom highlight the scalability of his game, suggesting he could grow into a significant role with the right development.
A Perfect Fit for the Lakers’ Needs
The Lakers’ frontcourt has been a weak point for years, with the team relying on aging stars or inconsistent role players to fill the void. Lakhin’s arrival offers a fresh start. While he’s unlikely to step into a starting role immediately, his ability to space the floor and protect the rim makes him an ideal complement to Anthony Davis, who thrives when paired with a mobile, shooting big man.
Under new ownership, the Lakers are expected to modernize their operations, and Lakhin’s selection signals a forward-thinking approach. General Manager Rob Pelinka, whose job security is reportedly shaky, deserves credit for identifying a high-upside prospect late in the draft. As ESPN draft analysts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo noted in their mock draft, Lakhin’s selection at No. 55 was a savvy move for a team looking to rebuild its depth.
The Road Ahead
While Lakhin’s potential is undeniable, his development will depend on the Lakers’ ability to overhaul their scouting and player development systems. Mark Walter’s track record with the Los Angeles Dodgers suggests he won’t hesitate to invest in resources, including a proper scouting department, to ensure long-term success. For now, Lakhin represents a low-risk, high-reward addition who could become a rotational player as early as this season.
Pelinka’s future may hinge on moves like this one. Another misstep, akin to the disastrous Russell Westbrook trade, could spell the end of his tenure. But if Lakhin pans out, Pelinka will have proven his worth to the new ownership group—and given Lakers fans a reason to believe in a brighter future.
A Star in the Making?
The NBA is full of second-round success stories, from Nikola Jokić to Draymond Green, and Lakhin has the tools to carve out his own legacy. His size, shooting, and defensive versatility make him a rare find at pick No. 55. If he can refine his skills and adapt to the NBA’s pace, the Lakers may have unearthed a towering force ready to dominate the paint and shake up the league.
For now, Lakers fans can dream of a future where Viktor Lakhin anchors the frontcourt alongside Anthony Davis, bringing a new level of versatility to one of the NBA’s most storied franchises. The Russian beast has arrived, and the NBA better take notice.