The Los Angeles Lakers' search for frontcourt help could extend to Tuesday's NBA Draft. NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that UConn center Tarris Reed Jr has emerged as a player connected to Los Angeles ahead of the draft. The Lakers at No. 25 are another team rivals are projecting will land on a big man. Tarris Reed Jr enjoyed a breakout season at UConn, averaging 14.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.0 blocks in 27.3 minutes per game. He led the Big East in field-goal percentage, shooting 60.7% from the floor. Reed's production was not driven by perimeter shooting or high usage, but through efficiency, physicality and relentless work around the basket. The Lakers finished second-last in the NBA in offensive rebounds per game last season at just 9.4. Reed's strengths align directly with those deficiencies, as he is regarded as one of the draft's premier offensive rebounders and strongest screen setters. He also has shown promise as a short-roll playmaker and lob finisher. Throughout his career, Luka Doncic has thrived playing with physical rim-running centers capable of finishing in traffic, protecting the paint and doing much of the dirty work inside. Reed's ability to impact games without needing touches could make him especially attractive to a Lakers team seeking complementary pieces around its stars. Landing Reed may not be simple, as teams drafting in the late teens have also expressed interest in the UConn center. ESPN draft analyst Jeremy Woo recently projected Reed to go No. 29 overall and noted that his strong NCAA tournament performance and pre-draft workouts have significantly boosted his stock. Reed scored at least 20 points in three NCAA tournament games and has steadily climbed draft boards as teams search for plug-and-play contributors. Questions remain about his outside shooting and free-throw accuracy, as Reed shot just 58.2% from the line during his collegiate career. The Lakers could face tough competition for Reed, but his skill set fits what they need around Luka Doncic. And with the NBA Draft approaching, the Lakers will have to decide whether to take a chance on the young center. But for now, Reed remains a intriguing option for the Lakers. So the Lakers will have to wait and see if they can land Reed on draft day.