GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY: Lakers Eye Michigan Star Vladislav Goldin with No. 55 Pick—Dominant Big Man Could Bring Size, Skill, and Scoring Touch to LA’s Frontcourt
Vladislav Goldin’s name might not be flashing across mock drafts with the same frequency as top-tier prospects, but that doesn’t mean NBA front offices aren’t paying attention. At 7-foot-1 and coming off a season where he averaged 16.6 points and seven rebounds per game, Goldin’s value lies in his efficiency, strength around the rim, and potential to become a force off the bench at the next level. As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, the Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly shown interest in the Russian-born big man, and with the No. 55 pick in hand, he could be a steal in the making. In a league always hungry for rim protection and efficient low-post scorers, Goldin may be exactly the kind of under-the-radar prospect who flourishes in the right system. If the Lakers make a move for him, it won’t be just a low-risk investment—it could be the start of something golden.
Goldin’s basketball journey is one of hard work, development, and persistence. Originally from Nalchik, Russia, he came to the United States as a raw teenager with height and promise but very little polish. He enrolled at Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut, where he began catching the attention of college scouts. His journey brought him to Texas Tech briefly before transferring to Florida Atlantic University. It was at FAU where Goldin truly began to blossom, especially during their 2023 Final Four run. That tournament performance elevated his national profile and led to a transfer to Michigan, where he had a breakout season in the Big Ten. Goldin’s ability to adapt and elevate his game at each stop speaks volumes about his coachability, work ethic, and potential trajectory at the professional level.
At Michigan, Goldin showed more than just size. His offensive game came into full form, proving that he wasn’t just a rim-running big man but someone who could play with his back to the basket, execute in pick-and-roll scenarios, and serve as a reliable scoring option in half-court sets. Averaging 16.6 points per game in a physical conference like the Big Ten is no small feat. He also added seven rebounds per game, a respectable number considering Michigan’s struggles and the defensive attention he constantly drew. What stood out most about Goldin’s game was his touch around the basket. He shot well over 60% from the field and did so primarily through post-ups, offensive rebounds, and smart movement without the ball. That kind of efficiency, combined with his frame, gives him the profile of a player who can carve out a meaningful role at the NBA level—even if it takes time.
For the Lakers, this draft represents a pivotal moment. With LeBron James entering the twilight of his career and Anthony Davis needing more help inside, Los Angeles is seeking to balance the present with the future. Goldin represents a long-term investment, but one that could pay off sooner than expected. He’s not the type of rookie who will demand minutes from day one, but he is the type who could fit seamlessly into spot minutes off the bench, particularly when the team needs size and rebounding. More importantly, Goldin is known for his willingness to accept coaching and adjust his role—something that aligns with how championship teams groom their role players.
One of the challenges Goldin will face transitioning to the NBA is speed and athleticism. At the college level, he was able to outmuscle and outsmart defenders. At the NBA level, he’ll have to contend with quicker players and more complex schemes. However, his footwork has improved drastically, and scouts have noted his ability to stay vertical on defense—a skill that can translate to rim protection without foul trouble. While he’s not a switch-everything defender, he’s capable of anchoring a drop coverage scheme and using his size to deter shots at the rim. That skill alone could make him valuable in specific matchups where defensive size is a necessity.
Another factor working in Goldin’s favor is the Lakers’ track record with player development. Their G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, has become an incubator for fringe prospects and second-round picks to hone their craft. From Alex Caruso to Austin Reaves, the Lakers have a history of identifying overlooked talent and turning them into contributors. Goldin could follow a similar path. By spending time in the G-League, improving his conditioning, expanding his range, and continuing to build strength, he could transition from a developmental big to a full-time rotation player by year two. The timeline might not be immediate, but the upside is there, and at pick No. 55, that’s a gamble most front offices would be willing to make.
The current Lakers roster would also provide an ideal mentorship structure for a player like Goldin. Anthony Davis, for all his injury concerns, remains one of the best two-way big men in the league. Learning from Davis—especially on how to read defenses, rotate, and protect the rim—could fast-track Goldin’s learning curve. Even someone like Jaxson Hayes, who has bounced between rotation roles, can offer insight into the realities of adjusting to the NBA as a big man. If Goldin shows even flashes of potential in summer league or preseason, the Lakers may find themselves with a valuable piece much earlier than expected.
Offensively, the modern NBA continues to trend toward spacing and three-point shooting, but the value of efficient post scorers and strong screen-setters hasn’t disappeared. In fact, for bench units, having a reliable low-post option can settle an offense and create mismatches. Goldin’s ability to seal defenders, catch clean entry passes, and finish through contact gives him the potential to become an offensive weapon in those moments. He’s not a shooter yet—his range barely extends beyond the free-throw line—but with modern training regimens and shooting coaches, there’s no reason he can’t add a mid-range jumper or even a corner three to his arsenal. That would significantly elevate his ceiling and make him more than just a situational player.
His rebounding also remains an area of intrigue. While seven boards per game is solid, the NBA will challenge him to become even more physical and aggressive on the glass. His frame gives him the potential to be an elite rebounder, but he’ll need to improve his box-out fundamentals and awareness. Still, his natural instincts and nose for the ball are there. As he bulks up and grows into the professional game, he could become a player capable of averaging 8–10 rebounds in a bench role, especially if he commits to crashing the boards with purpose.
The Lakers know that every roster spot matters, especially in a Western Conference that remains loaded with talent and physicality in the paint. Teams like the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves boast premier frontcourt duos, and depth is critical to surviving those matchups. Goldin might not be the guy who tips the scale in a playoff series today, but in two or three years, he could be the physical presence the Lakers need to match up against the league’s elite bigs. That kind of long-term thinking is what smart front offices prioritize, especially when working with limited draft capital.
Goldin also checks off the intangible boxes. He’s known for his team-first mentality, work ethic, and humility. Coaches at both FAU and Michigan praised his attitude and willingness to put in the hours, even when the spotlight wasn’t on him. That kind of mindset can go a long way in the NBA, especially for second-round picks who have to fight for every minute. Combine that with his size, skill development, and statistical production, and it becomes clearer why the Lakers might be interested in using their No. 55 pick on him. He may not be flashy, but Goldin could become the kind of glue-guy big who outperforms expectations and earns the respect of veterans and fans alike.
If the Lakers do pull the trigger on Vladislav Goldin, they won’t just be drafting a tall guy who can rebound. They’ll be adding a hard-nosed competitor with international experience, a strong college résumé, and the willingness to improve. In a league where developmental success stories are becoming more common—and more critical to sustained success—Goldin fits the mold of a player who might quietly turn into a major contributor. For a franchise looking to build both for now and the future, there’s no such thing as a meaningless second-round pick. Every player counts, and Vladislav Goldin may just count more than most expect.
As the draft draws near, all eyes will be on the lottery picks and headline-making trades, but wise franchises understand that championships are often won at the margins. If the Lakers want to find a low-cost, high-reward option with upside, toughness, and a proven collegiate track record, Goldin’s name should be near the top of their list. He might not be the loudest prospect in the room, but if history is any indicator, quiet confidence and consistent production have a funny way of making the biggest impact. For the Lakers, Vladislav Goldin could be more than just a value pick—he could be the next piece of a winning puzzle, crafted not by hype, but by hard-earned potential and opportunity.
