Former UNC Big Man Henri Veesaar Linked to Luka Doncic's Lakers

A new 2026 NBA mock draft has former North Carolina Tar Heels big man Henri Veesaar going to the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report has the Lakers taking Veesaar with the 25th overall pick in this year's draft. 

"If the draft board cooperates, the Lakers would presumably love to land a center here," Buckley wrote. "This mock delivers a pretty compelling one in Veesaar, a 7-foot spacer with enough bounce and force to finish plays around and above the rim.

"Giving Luka Doncic a screen-setter who can pop out for threes, explode to the basket or make smart, simple passes out of the short roll might be an offensive cheat code. Defense would be the concern, but honestly, that might be L.A.'s big worry regardless how this roster takes shape around Doncic and a presumably re-signed Austin Reaves."

For UNC in 2025, Veesaar averaged 17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 60.8% from the field, 42.6% from beyond the arc and 61.5% from the free-throw line.

Veesaar appeared in 97 games with North Carolina. He finished his college career with averages of 9.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists per contest. 

UNC went 24-9 in 2025. Veesaar and Co. lost to VCU in the first round of the NCAA tournament, a defeat that cost Hubert Davis his job. 

The Lakers lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the 2026 NBA playoffs in four games. Doncic didn't play in the playoffs because of a serious hamstring injury.

It will be fascinating to see where Veesaar is playing next season. His former teammate, Caleb Wilson, will be one of the top four players selected. 

The Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies and Chicago Bulls have the top four picks. 

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