 For the 1997–98 season Lakos started playing Major junior hockey when he joined the revived Toronto St. Michael's Majors franchise of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).The St. Michael's Majors struggled in their first season back in the OHL and finished last in the East Division, Lakos then joined the Barrie Colts for the 1998–99 season.After having a successful season with the conference winning Colts Lakos was drafted, 95th overall, by the New Jersey Devils in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.