With Anthony Davis no longer in the fold and Luka Dončić in need of a reliable rim-running partner, the Los Angeles Lakers are urgently searching for their next starting center. While trade talks for established big men remain ongoing, the front office is also turning to the 2025 NBA Draft in hopes of uncovering a low-cost, high-upside solution.

According to HoopsHype, the Lakers have brought in several frontcourt prospects for pre-draft workouts as they prepare to use their No. 55 overall pick. Among the names evaluated: Auburn’s Dylan Cardwell, Indiana’s Oumar Ballo, and Alabama’s Clifford Omoruyi—all centers who bring a mix of size, length, and shot-blocking ability.

For a team balancing win-now urgency with long-term flexibility, a promising late-round big could be the first piece in solving their frontcourt puzzle.

Los Angeles Lakers Eyeing 3 Draft Prospects In Addition To Vet Big Man Trade Candidates 1 Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

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Dylan Cardwell is a physically imposing center with a pro-ready frame and a well-defined role. A fifth-year senior, he emerged as Auburn’s connective piece—anchoring the paint with rebounding, rim protection, and high-efficiency finishes. Though he averaged just five points and five boards, Cardwell’s impact exceeds box score metrics. He led the SEC in offensive rebounding percentage and boasts elite physicality, good hands, and a high basketball IQ, all of which translate well to a depth role in the NBA.

Cardwell excels as a screener and play-finisher, particularly in pick-and-roll actions. His toughness and vertical finishing ability make him a threat around the rim, converting over 70% of his field goals. While not a shooter or strong free-throw option (under 40% FT), he offers reliable interior scoring and consistent energy.

Defensively, Cardwell is built for drop coverage. His strength, positioning, and awareness make him a capable rim protector and rebounder. He’s mobile enough to switch in short bursts, but lacks ideal lateral burst. Still, his footwork, discipline, and anticipation compensate well.

As a short-roll passer, Cardwell keeps the ball moving and shows flashes of decision-making that align with modern motion offenses. His basketball instincts, motor, and physical tools make him a strong undrafted free agent candidate for playoff-caliber teams needing frontcourt depth.

Los Angeles Lakers Eyeing 3 Draft Prospects In Addition To Vet Big Man Trade Candidates 2 Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Oumar Ballo is a physically dominant center with elite strength, interior toughness, and a proven college résumé. Originally from Mali, the 7-footer averaged 12.9 points and 10.1 rebounds as a two-year starter at Arizona, finishing with the highest field goal percentage in program history.

Ballo thrives in the paint. He uses his massive frame to carve out deep post position, seal defenders, and finish through contact with thunderous dunks. He’s also a dangerous rim-runner out of ball screens and a consistent force on the glass.

Defensively, Ballo brings physicality and rim protection (4.9% block rate), but struggles in space and is best in drop coverage. He’s limited outside the paint on both ends—attempting 88% of his shots at the rim, never shooting a three in college, and hitting under 50% from the free-throw line.

Ballo profiles as a low-usage, high-impact interior anchor best suited for bench or matchup-specific minutes in the NBA.

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Clifford Omoruyi is a physically imposing, defense-first big man with elite shot-blocking instincts and top-tier rebounding ability. A four-year contributor and three-year starter at Rutgers, Omoruyi averaged 10.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks as a senior, anchoring one of the country’s top interior defenses.

His standout skill is rim protection—ranking third nationally in block percentage (12.72%) last season and leading his conference in that category for two straight years. He complements that with elite defensive rebounding, consistently finishing top five in league play.

Offensively, Omoruyi is raw but improving. He scores primarily around the basket, excelling as a lob threat, rim-runner, and offensive rebounder. While his touch and hands have improved since high school, he remains limited beyond the paint, with a 59% career free-throw clip and minimal impact as a passer or shooter.

He projects as a high-energy, shot-blocking reserve center with upside.