With the Los Angeles Lakers looking to do a serious roster overhaul this summer, it can definitely be expected for them to be busy during the 2021 NBA Draft. Currently holding the no. 22 pick in this year's draft, the Lakers will look to add some young talent to this veteran Lakers squad.

With a vast majority of their roster set to hit the free agent market, the Lakers will have their work cut out for them. So without further introduction, let's take a look at the two best options for the Lakers to make with the 22nd pick in this year's NBA draft.

Cameron Thomas 

He was an undeniable scoring machine at LSU and could be the next great star in the NBA. Cameron Thomas would provide the right brand of elite perimeter scoring to a Lakers squad that desperately needs a scoring punch and more youth and athleticism in their backcourt. In drafting Thomas they check off both of those boxes while adding a potential franchise star to pair with Anthony Davis after LeBron James retires.

While playing as a guard for the Tigers, Thomas was a record-setting scorer who could light it up from anywhere on the perimeter. He also possessed a smooth finishing touch around the rim. On the Lakers he would be able to provide a much-needed playmaking ability that would lessen the offensive load for James and Davis. If the Lakers want to snag a player who has the potential to be their next franchise star, then drafting Cameron Thomas is absolutely the right move for them to make.

Usman Garuba

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Kevon Looney, Al Horford, Steven Adams, and Clint Capela on the Lakers court.
Sources: Lakers’ likeliest strategy to fixing center problemAnthony Irwin ·
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) makes a block attempt against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) during the first half at Delta Center.
NBA rumors: Lakers insider reveals why trade for Jazz star is unlikelyScotty White ·
Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks defends Western Conference forward LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter in the 73rd NBA All Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Giannis Antetokounmpo sounds off on LeBron James’ ‘no bag’ mic dropJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers’ Luka Doncic seen putting in offseason work in the gymRexwell Villas ·
Kobe Bryant Nike Air Force 1 "Triple White", Kobe Bryant, Nike Air Force 1
Kobe Bryant Nike Air Force 1 ‘Triple White’ release detailsDominik Zawartko ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against the Denver Nuggets during the second half in game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers’ LeBron James reacts to Jamie Foxx’s big BET Awards nightJosh Davis ·

A high-energy big man who competed at the highest level in the Euro League, Usman Garuba is exactly the kind of center that the Lakers need to compete with the western conference elite and provide AD with a reliable frontcourt mate. In Garuba, the Lakers would gain a high IQ center who would thrive in the pick-and-roll game and can space the floor with his 3-point shooting and mid-range game.

He also brings a level of intensity to their frontcourt that was sorely missing this past season. As a well-rounded big who can run the floor and give them productive play on both ends, this pick really seems like a no-brainer for a Lakers squad that's set to be in complete overhaul mode this summer.

This draft pick will not only give them size that will help them compete now, but a big man who can add to their young core and provide them with a building block for the future. Adding Usman Garuba to a Lakers team that features future hall-of-famers in Lebron James and Anthony Davis sounds like a solid start for their plan to re-tool and bounce back big next season.

These draft picks won't make the Lakers instant title contenders, but they will help to transform their team and provide more structure and optimism towards the future of their franchise.