With the 2025 NBA Draft less than a month away, it’s time for the Lakers to hone in on their list of prospects. Currently holding the 55th pick, there are many directions Rob Pelinka and co. could take when filling a roster headlined by LeBron James and Luka Doncic. One name that has caught fans’ attention is Hansen Yang, a 7’1” Chinese center who has racked up accolades in the CBA and drawn comparisons to prominent NBA bigs.
2025 NBA Draft: Could Lakers Take a Chance on CBA DPOY?
Background
Yang, a 19-year-old big man, has spent the last two seasons with the Qingdao Eagles of the Chinese Basketball Association,claiming Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2024. That season, he averaged 15 points, 10.8 rebounds (8.5 defensive), 3.9 assists and 2.2 blocks per game. He built off of that impressive campaign this year, putting up 16.6 points (58.6% FG), 10.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.6 blocks. Adding to the pre-draft buzz, Yang signed with Klutch Sports in January before throwing his hat in the ring in April. He turned heads at this year’s combine, posting 11 points, six rebounds and six assists in a scrimmage.
The 7’1”, 250-pound center has a smooth offensive game, able to finish in the post with an array of moves while occasionally stretching the floor. He has also stood out with his passing, making pinpoint reads to cutting teammates from the perimeter and paint. Yang has even drawn early comparisons to Nikola Jokic because of that strong court vision.
: Hansen Yang | The Chinese Jokic?
Here’s why Hansen Yang gets those Jokic, Sengun Comps-
He’s got innate feel & vision for a Big Man.
(He doesn’t have generational vision like Jokic, but man can he sling the ball.)
: Full Scouting Report-https://t.co/ZCepGFbyKb pic.twitter.com/V6ModkrjtP
— Lakers Legacy (@LakersLegacyPod) May 22, 2025
Yang also proved his worth defensively, deterring opponents’ shots with ease and crashing the glass often. His DPOY campaign saw him swat a league-best 112 shots while finishing second in blocks per game. This past season, those numbers increased—119 blocks with an average of 2.6 per game, both league-highs.
Despite his promising play on both ends, scouting reports note that Yang isn’t the fastest or most athletic prospect, leading to concerns over his ability to guard on the perimeter and in pick-and-roll situations. Offensively, he isn’t much of a lob threat and struggled to shoot threes (career 29%) and free-throws (64%).
Lakers Should Look at Hansen Yang
Yang could give LA’s frontcourt a unique look with his excellent playmaking skills and strong defensive effort. The Lakers haven’t had a sound passing big since Anthony Davis (or, going back further, Marc Gasol), and Yang could fill that hole while shoring up other parts of his game in the G League.
While Yang’s lack of speed and athleticism are troubling, there’s no denying his talent as a shot blocker and playmaker at the five, both aspects the Lakers would want in a rookie. Yang’s strength as a finisher and growth as a roller also bode well for his potential fit with James and Doncic—skills that could only improve next to two of the league’s best facilitators.
Hansen Yang has risen on draft boards for the right reasons, but should the Lakers snag him in the second round, he’d be a worthy addition to their frontcourt. If selected, Yang would be the Lakers’ first international draft pick since Ivica Zubac (32nd overall, 2016).
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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