The Los Angeles Lakers head into the 2025 NBA draft needing help at center. They hold the No. 55 overall pick, which won’t land them a star, but they might still find a player with potential. According to Bleacher Report, the Lakers could take a chance on Australian big man Rocco Zikarsky.
Zikarsky is a 7’2 center who played for the Brisbane Bullets in the NBL. He was once seen as a possible first-round pick, but his stock dropped after a quiet season and a knee injury that ended his year early. He averaged 4.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in under 12 minutes per game. Still, his size, mobility, and shot-blocking ability make him an interesting project for a team like the Lakers.
Rocco Zikarsky showing NBA teams how he moves at 7-foot-4 at the NBA draft combine pro lane agility drill pic.twitter.com/wCcAeKdyXA
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 13, 2025
Zikarsky showed off his huge standing reach, and a solid shooting stroke at the NBA Draft combine. Those skills could help him grow into a modern stretch five. He’s not ready to play big minutes yet, but at 18 years old, he has time to develop and could become a strong backup or more in a few years.
Los Angeles Lakers’ Interest In Veteran Center
Even if the Lakers draft Zikarsky, they still need a proven center for next season. General Manager Rob Pelinka explained what they were looking for. He stated that it would be great to have a center who was a vertical threat, a lob threat, and someone who could protect the interior defensively. He also said the team is open to centers that can stretch the floor.
The Lakers are linked to several veteran centers, including Mitchell Robinson from the Knicks and Nic Claxton from the Nets. Both are strong defenders and rebounders, the kind of players the Lakers missed last season. Zikarsky may not be ready immediately, but he could make a smart long-term presence if the team is patient with his development.
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