The Los Angeles Lakers may have just found their ideal future big man. French center Joan Beringer officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-11 prospect, currently ranked 17th by ESPN, offers exactly what the Lakers need—a rim-protecting, high-motor center with elite physical tools. Perfect Lakers Center, Joan Beringer Declares for 2025 Draft Beringer might be the perfect addition for the purple and gold if they decide to take a chance on the boom-or-bust prospect. Joan Beringer’s decision to declare for the 2025 draft comes at a time when the Lakers’ need for size and defense at the five is more glaring than ever. A Late Bloomer with a Rapid Rise Beringer’s story reads like a movie script. Just four years ago, he had never touched a basketball. A late growth spurt pushed him away from soccer, his first love, and into the world of hoops. “I played football before. Then I grew too fast and couldn’t find cleats,” Beringer said. “So I picked up basketball.” He began casually, shooting hoops with friends near a soccer field. Two weeks later, he joined Saint-Joseph Strasbourg, a small club in France. By 2023, he had earned a spot in the French U21 league. Then, in a shocking leap, Beringer moved to Slovenia and joined KK Cedevita Olimpija, where his career took off. This meteoric development makes the Joan Beringer 2025 draft story even more compelling. Proving Himself Against Grown Men Beringer wasn’t supposed to shine this soon. Initially, he was expected to play in Slovenia’s third division. Instead, his coach gave him a shot with the main team. In early preseason games against EuroLeague powerhouses like Bayern Munich and Anadolu Efes, Beringer held his own. His defense earned him a spot on the EuroCup roster, and he never looked back. He averaged 4.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in just 18 minutes per game. More impressively, he leads the Adriatic League in block percentage. His 7-foot-5 wingspan and elite timing made him a paint protector and switchable defender—exactly what the Lakers lacked this season. The Lakers’ Fit: Why Beringer Makes Sense The Lakers’ 2024-25 season exposed their need for a true center. After trading Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić, they tried to land Mark Williams. That move failed due to a failed physical. Jaxson Hayes filled in well during the regular season but is now struggling during the playoffs. The Lakers need a center who can run the floor, finish lobs, and anchor the defense. Beringer fits this bill perfectly. In fact, the Joan Beringer 2025 draft buzz should pique Rob Pelinka’s interest. Beringer’s energy and rim protection could complement Dončić’s offensive brilliance in ways similar to Dereck Lively II in Dallas. If the Lakers find a way to acquire a pick—potentially by trading Dalton Knecht—Beringer would be a strategic target. He doesn’t need the ball to be effective and runs the floor better than most young bigs. Elite Tools and Limitless Potential Beringer offers tantalizing upside. He stands 6’11” with a 7’3” wingspan and tremendous mobility. His lateral movement allows him to switch onto guards. He slides, rotates, and recovers like a wing, not a traditional big man. He blocks over two shots per 36 minutes, showing elite defensive instincts. He finishes quickly on lobs and pocket passes. On fast breaks, he’s often the first big down the floor, creating easy dunks. His physical tools alone warrant a close look in thedraft process. A Developmental Prospect with Long-Term Value Beringer remains raw offensively. His touch, strength, and feel still need work. But considering he only picked up the game in 2021, his progress is staggering. He’ll likely need time in a developmental system like the G League. But the payoff could be huge. If his offensive game catches up to his defense, Beringer could become one of the biggest steals of the draft. His mentality is another plus. He plays with fire and urgency, especially on defense. He watches NBA highlights daily, citing Giannis Antetokounmpo as his idol. That hunger to improve is evident in his on-court performance. A Smart Gamble for the Lakers Beringer is not a polished product. But his length, athleticism, and instincts scream modern NBA center. He has the tools to become a long-term defensive anchor. The Lakers, who lack a 2025 draft pick, should explore trade options. Beringer offers a high-upside, low-cost opportunity. His fit next to Dončić makes too much sense to ignore. With Joan Beringer’s decision to declare for the 2025 draft now official, Pelinka would be wise to make his move.