The Los Angeles Lakers have missed on three straight draft picks, and it is hurting their depth as the franchise looks to build a serious title contender around Luka Doncic. Rob Pelinka took Jalen Hood-Schifino, who is no longer in the NBA, over Jamie Jaquez Jr. in 2023. It was Dalton Knecht over Tristan da Silva and Ajay Mitchell in 2024, and Adou Thiero ahead of Will Richard in 2025. The Lakers are getting virtually zero production from those three picks as the other wings thrive on contenders.
Pelinka has struggled in the draft since being elevated to lead decision-maker in 2019.