The Los Angeles Lakers could address one of their biggest roster needs in the 2026 NBA Draft by selecting North Carolina center Henri Veesaar with the No. 25 overall pick, according to ESPN’s recent mock draft.

At 6-foot-11¼ without shoes, Veesaar brings the size the Lakers have lacked in the frontcourt while also offering a modern skill set that separates him from many of the other big men in this year's class.

The Estonian center measured in at 227 pounds with a 7-foot-2 wingspan and a 9-foot-3 standing reach at the NBA Draft Combine, giving him the physical tools to compete around the basket on both ends of the floor. 

However, what has intrigued NBA scouts is his ability to stretch the floor offensively with a smooth shooting form that doesn't look like that of a typical center. 

During his lone season at North Carolina after transferring from Arizona, Veesaar averaged 17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 60.8% from the field and 42.6% from three-point range. 

He started all 31 games for the Tar Heels and earned Second Team All-ACC honors after emerging as one of the conference's most efficient players.

His efficiency stood out nationally. 

Veesaar finished second in the ACC in field goal percentage and effective field goal percentage while ranking fourth in the conference in rebounds per game and eighth in scoring. 

He also posted a 66.7% effective field goal percentage, placing him among the top 10 players in the nation.

Before arriving at North Carolina, Veesaar spent two seasons at Arizona, including a productive 2024-25 campaign where he averaged 9.4 points and 5.0 rebounds in just over 20 minutes per game.

The Lakers have made no secret of their need for another center after struggling to consistently protect the rim and control the glass with Deandre Ayton at the head of the frontcourt. 

While wing defense also remains a priority, Veesaar's combination of size, rebounding and 

At the NBA Draft Combine, Veesaar also confirmed that he intends to remain in the draft rather than return to North Carolina under new head coach Michael Malone, further solidifying his status as a likely first-round selection.

If the Lakers keep their first-round pick and Veesaar is still available at No. 25, he could represent one of the draft's best values. 

His blend of nearly seven-foot size, floor spacing, and efficient scoring gives him the potential to contribute early in his NBA career while filling a position of need for L.A..