The Los Angeles Lakers will be on the hunt for new talent later this when when the 2025 NBA draft goes down in Brooklyn, NY, beginning on Wednesday, June 25. Even though the Lakers don't have a first-round pick this year, general manager Rob Pelinka could potentially land a future contributor with the 55th overall selection.
Los Angeles has found its fair share of second-round talents throughout the last two decades, including Marc Gasol (2007), Ivica Zubac (2016), and, most recently, Bronny James (2024).
Although it's still too early to tell who'll be available at No. 55, the Lakers just learned that one potential target has decided to remain in the upcoming draft.
Potential Lakers Target Jamir Watkins Will Enter 2025 NBA Draft
Earlier this week, CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein reported that Florida State wing Jamir Watkins is "staying in the 2025 NBA draft." The decision comes less than two months after the 6-foot-7, 210-pound prospect re-entered the transfer portal, sparking rumors that he'd play out this final year of college eligibility.
Watkins' decision to enter the NBA draft isn't the first time he's been involved in drama leading up to the annual event. He returned to Florida State for the 2024-25 campaign after pulling out of last year's draft, likely in an attempt to increase his stock.
Watkins' game reached new heights in 2023-24 after transferring from VCU to FSU, and that trend continued in Year 2 with the Seminoles. Playing 30.9 minutes per outing across 32 starts, the 23-year-old wing averaged a career-high 18.4 points on .427/.321/.747 shooting while also putting up 5.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.2 steals.
He also paced the ACC with 183 free throws made while ranking fourth in points per game, playing a big role in his earning second-team all-conference honors for the first time.
Following his final collegiate performance, it isn't difficult to see why the Lakers might want to roll the dice on Watkins. For starters, he's a reliable two-way player who can play both shooting guard and small forward minutes, adding another versatile body to head coach JJ Redick's lineup.
Los Angeles' wing depth is abysmal in general, and it could be even more lacking if the team trades Dalton Knecht this offseason. Although Watkins likely wouldn't make an immediate impact, the right coaching and development could turn him into a reliable rotational contributor before his rookie deal is over.
As of Friday afternoon, Watkins is the No. 65-ranked prospect on ESPN's draft list, meaning the Lakers should have a chance to draft him unless another team commits a major reach.
Knowing how to attack the opposing basket while also guarding his own, Watkins is the type of two-way slasher who'd become an instant L.A. fan favorite. That's why the Lakers should be thrilled that they'll have an opportunity to draft him in just a few short weeks.