Even with the NBA playoffs, the upcoming draft is generating just as much buzz as June 25 inches closer. The Lakers have another late second-round selection, with their first-rounder (#22) going to the Atlanta Hawks. A recent mock draft by Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman has the Lakers filling a position of need with someone who drew comparisons to a former top-ten pick.
2025 NBA Draft: Lakers Projected to Nab 7’2″ Australian C in B/R Mock
Wasserman Drafts Brisbane Big Man to Lakers
Wasserman’s latest projections came after Duke star Cooper Flagg declared for the 2025 Draft. With the 55th pick in the Bleacher Report’s mock draft, the Los Angeles Lakers select Rocco Zikarsky from the NBL’s Brisbane Bullets.
At 7’2” and 227 pounds, the 18-year-old center has received limited opportunities in Brisbane, but scouting reports have recognized his potential. He was once projected to go as high as 17th overall in October and had been compared to Blazers center Donovan Clingan and Jazz starter Walker Kessler. However, meager production (3.8 PPG, 2.6 RPG and 0.8 BPG in two years) and a season-ending knee injury have significantly affected his stock.
Still, Wasserman believes, “Age, size and junior-level impact will still earn him looks and front-office discussion before the draft.”
Zikarsky returned to action last month, being named to the selection camp roster for Australia’s U19 squad for the upcoming FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup. A video posted to X by NBL Next Stars showed the young center soaring for dunks, swatting layup attempts and even swishing a three-pointer or two.
ROCCO IS BACK 👀
The Next Star was on the floor this week in Canberra for the U19 Emus camp and he looked in great shape 🌟
🎥 @BasketballAus pic.twitter.com/vKu4OTjIZu
— NBL Next Stars (@NBLNextStars) March 20, 2025
Zikarsky’s Potential Fit in LA
Prior to his injury, Zikarsky turned heads as a standout rim protector who could run to the basket and garner second-chance points with ease—all of which are tenets the Lakers have needed with their own bigs. One of Zikarsky’s notable games came last August, when he tallied 16 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in Brisbane’s win over the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
Scouting reports have praised Zikarsky for his ability to hold his own defensively while scoring most of his points in the paint. He also displayed some outside shooting this season, connecting on one of five attempts from deep.
But for all his potential, those same reports highlighted his three-point and free-throw shooting (career 53%) as areas of improvement. There were also concerns over his perimeter defense, which is hindered by a lack of speed and could make him a target in matchups. His recent health will also be a talking point among league executives, including the Lakers, should they choose to consider him.
Lakers Center Situation Heading into Summer
Looking ahead, three of the Lakers’ seven upcoming free agents are centers: Jaxson Hayes (unrestricted), Alex Len (unrestricted) and Christian Koloko (restricted). The five remains an important position for the Lakers to address. While Hayes has filled that void well, there’s a chance the team could upgrade the position further, especially if Hayes bolts to a rival suitor.
Assuming the team keeps the 55th pick, they could easily add a promising center like Zikarsky, who will look to showcase his talent with an NBA-ready frame. Despite his projections taking a hit, the 18-year-old can still improve his standing between now and June, making him another prospect for Laker fans to watch.
© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
