Improving the center position looks to be a major focus of the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason as getting an ideal big man to pair with superstar guard Luka Doncic is undoubtedly a need. One way the team could do that is through the 2026 NBA Draft and one of the more intriguing big man prospects is Houston’s Chris Cenac Jr.
A highly touted prospect coming out of high school, Cenac didn’t have a huge season for the Cougars, but still possesses some outstanding attributes that are sure to make teams take a close look at him. And the Lakers are set to host Cenac for a pre-draft workout, via Joseph Duarte of the Houston Chronicle:
Houston’s Chris Cenac Jr. has a pre-draft workout with Los Angeles Lakers today, per sources.
Lakers have the 25th pick in next week’s NBA draft. pic.twitter.com/n1mRO8BU5J— Joseph Duarte (@Joseph_Duarte) June 16, 2026
Measuring at 6’10 without shoes and possessing a 7’5 wingspan, Cenac has the size teams are looking for and also moves very well for someone his size, giving him great defensive potential. He is also an excellent rebounder who hits the glass hard on both ends of the court. Offensively he showed some promising skills, being capable as a shooter with room to improve, while also showing the ability to finish at the rim in traffic.
There are some concerns with Cenac’s consistency as a shooter as he shot just 33.3% from 3-point range and 62.1% from the free throw line. There are also some questions about what his true position is and whether he can be a true center, or is more suited as versatile power forward who operates more on the perimeter and needs a more traditional big next to him.
Cenac is expected to be drafted in the mid-to-late first round range and with the Lakers owning the 25th overall pick he could be available when they are on the clock. At just 19 years old Cenac is viewed as more of a project who will need some time to develop his skills, but if the Lakers feel he is worth investing in, he could very well be the pick.
Lakers interested in Syracuse big man William Kyle III
The Lakers have also been linked to another big man in the draft in Syracuse’s William Kyle III. Kyle is a second-round prospect, or possibly even go undrafted, but has a defined role as a high-energy, rim-running center who is an elite rim protector.
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