Lakers Could Regret Passing on Dominant Rookie Center Now Thriving Elsewhere

Matt Evans argues that the Los Angeles Lakers could regret passing on center Tarris Reed in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Lakers opted to draft wing Cameron Carr with the No. 24 overall pick instead of addressing frontcourt depth. Reed was subsequently selected at No. 26 by the San Antonio Spurs, where he has thrived during the preseason with physical play and high-level rebounding.

Through four preseason games, Reed has averaged 9.2 rebounds and 5.0 points in just 17.9 minutes per contest for the Spurs. Despite entering the season with rotation concerns behind center Walker Kessler, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka prioritized perimeter depth, leaving the team without a drafted traditional center since selecting Ivica Zubac in 2016.