The Los Angeles Lakers‘ dire need for a big man has been made well-known coming into the offseason. While the team has been linked to several potential big men who could fit the role, the Purple and Gold have a real opportunity to build their frontcourt rotation through the draft itself.
The No. 55 pick could be the key to unlocking the team’s potential by drafting a solid big man. As per other projections, the Lakers have been linked with Australian big man Rocco Zikarsky.
However, as per Clutch Points’ Brett Siegel, the Purple and Gold could be projected to draft Russian center Vladislav Goldin out of Michigan. As per his scouting report, Goldin could be an appropriate fit for the Lakers, coming out of the second round.
“As a true seven-footer in socks, Goldin is a long and fluid athlete. He has excellent core strength, and his good footwork is a consistent factor in keeping his balance.”
“Goldin is built to play as a five, but can stretch the floor. On the defensive end, he has a slow first step but has the footwork to effectively play out of the paint and generate stops against smaller scorers.”
“He’s not a good athlete vertically, but the size and length compensate for that, with an officially measured wingspan at 7’5.25”.”
Goldin spent five years playing collegiate basketball. After starting as a freshman at Texas Tech, he moved to Florida Atlantic to play out the next three years. However, the season he made his breakthrough was the 2024-25 season with Michigan.
His time at Michigan also yielded a lot of success for the team, as he was named the MVP of the Big Ten conference as well. Unfortunately, they came up short at the NCAA tournament after being eliminated by Auburn at the Sweet Sixteen round.
In 37 games, during his senior year at Michigan, the big man put up averages of 16.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. He also showed tremendous efficiency from the field with shooting splits of 60.7% FG.
The biggest advantage Goldin has, in comparison to other big men in the league today, is that he is primarily an interior presence. Cultivating this ability has made him a monster on the offensive glass, helping him notch an average of 2.4 offensive rebounds per game in college.
At 24 years old, Goldin appears to be an NBA-ready talent. His sturdy 240-pound frame readily implies that he won’t be pushed off the block and can hold his own in the paint.
Watched Michigan's Vlad Goldin working out in LA. The 7'1 Russian center has a tremendous frame, size, and length, more athleticism than you might expect, and even flashes some touch from the perimeter. He will very likely be on an NBA roster next year in some capacity. pic.twitter.com/gpCOOXPyBf
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 6, 2025
Although he was a high usage center with Michigan, this may not necessarily be the case if he is drafted by the Lakers. Some points of concern in his offensive game include his hesitation while shooting as well as his limited creativity with the ball in his hand.
However, the Purple and Gold could still aim to develop a player like him, given the growth potential, as he has drawn player comparisons to Clippers big man Ivica Zubac.
Zubac, who was also a Lakers player early in his career, blossomed into one of the league’s finest big men later on. With the room to develop on the Clippers, the Bosnian went from a bench player to becoming one of the most vital players in the starting rotation.
Goldin could be a valuable addition to the Lakers’ currently non-existent big man rotation. With Jaxson Hayes entering free agency, the Purple and Gold currently have no centers on their roster.
Acquiring a big man has become a top priority for the team. To this extent, the team has even outlined the preferred type of big man they will be on the lookout for.
The most important aspect is that the Lakers need an athletic center, specifically one who can act as a lob threat next to Luka Doncic. Although the team hoped to pair Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams with their star before the trade deadline, this deal was rescinded, effectively leaving the Lakers rudderless.
The Lakers have currently been linked to several big men, both via trade as well as free agency. Nets big man Nic Claxton and Mavs center Daniel Gafford have garnered the most attention thus far.
With a lot of moves to make, the Lakers would hope to have some depth in their big man rotation. Goldin’s fluidity under the basket and surprisingly athletic skill would make for a good addition, considering the team’s current circumstances.
