As it currently stands, the Los Angeles Lakers own just one pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the 25th overall selection in the first round. But even though they don’t own a second-round pick, that won’t stop the franchise from working out and evaluating potential prospects who could be taken later on as the Lakers could always acquire a pick, or eye certain players as undrafted free agents to add after the draft.
One player who has seemingly caught their eye is Syracuse big man William Kyle III. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Lakers are one of a number of teams interested in the big man, who has apparently impressed teams enough that he has shut down the remaining pre-draft workouts he had scheduled:
Our final second-round note: Syracuse’s William Kyle III has had enough positive feedback after visiting with 11 teams that he’s shutting down his pre-draft circuit and declining five additional workout invitations. Among the clubs said to have interest in Kyle: Both Finals teams — New York and San Antonio — as well as Oklahoma City, Boston and the Lakers.
Kyle is an interesting prospect who fits a Lakers need as an athletic, rim-running big man who excels at protecting the rim on the defensive end. Kyle’s collegiate career began at South Dakota St. where he was the Summit League Defensive Player of the Year in 2024. He would play his final season with the Orange and averaged 8.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.5 blocks while starting all 32 games.
Listed at 6’9 and 230 pounds, Kyle is a high-energy big who has shown the ability to switch out on the perimeter and stick with guards and is a high-level rim protector. His offensive game is limited primarily to finishing at the rims off cuts and pick-and-rolls, but that is exactly the type of player who has thrived alongside Lakers superstar Luka Doncic. However, he did not even attempt a 3-pointer in college and shot just 54.4% from the free throw line in his collegiate career.
The Lakers have always been willing to acquire second-round picks when they’ve identified someone they like and Kyle undoubtedly fits the type of big man they’re looking for. With him drawing attention from multiple teams it’s likely they may have to do just that if they want to bring him into the fold.
Luka Doncic discusses types of players the Lakers need to add
To this point, Doncic was recently interviewed and asked about the types of players he hopes the Lakers add this offseason, and a rim-running big man was among those mentioned.
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