If Lakers miss higher-ceiling prospects, St. Johns Zuby Ejiofors reliability stands out
The 2026 NBA Draft is on the horizon, bringing one of the most significant dates on the league’s calendar. Childhood dreams of making it to the NBA will be achieved. Teams will turn draft assets into tangible players who they hope will contribute to winning in the short- and long-term future.And in the background, teams will continue to explore the options that’ll help them achieve their goals for 2026-27. For the Lakers, who have a first-round pick in the draft (No.25), the opportunity the draft presents as it pertains to roster building can’t be whiffed on. In their pursuit of assembling a roster that’ll be competitive against the 2026 Western Conference champion Spurs and 2025 NBA champion Thunder, the Lakers have two main options for their first-round pick: trade it for a player who’s ready to compete for a title now alongside Luka Doncic or select a prospect whom they plan to develop and hope will help now and in the future. If the Lakers choose the latter path, there isn’t a shortage of options of prospects who they should consider drafting. Toward the top of that list should be St.
John’s big man Zuby Ejiofor, whose hustle, defensive versatility and energetic style of play would be a welcome addition to the Lakers’ front court.2025-26 stats (St.John’s): 16.3 points (53.6% shooting), 7.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.1 blocks, 1.2 steals, 30 minutes in 37 games2024-25 stats (St.
John’s): 14.7 points (57.7% shooting), 8.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.4 blocks, 31.8 minutes in 36 games2023-24 stats (St.John’s): 4.3 points (48.9% shooting), 3.1 rebounds, 11.2 minutes in 33 games2022-23 stats (Kansas): 1.2 points (65% shooting), 1.7 rebounds, 5.1 minutes in 25 gamesMeasurements: 6-foot-7 ½ (without shoes), 245 pounds, 7-foot-2 wingspan, 8-foot-11 standing reach Despite being an undersized big man, Ejiofor was an impactful defender throughout college because of his wingspan, instincts, strength and communication. Ejiofor can switch ...