Lakers 2026 NBA Mock Draft roundup after ClutchPoints’ Mock Draft 3.0 release

For the 28 teams not in the NBA Finals, such as the Los Angeles Lakers, recent weeks have been about NBA Draft preparation. The Lakers come into the NBA Draft with a first round pick and No. 25, and with a few glaring roster needs.

A week ago, ClutchPoints’ took a look at some of the more prominent mock drafts from around the NBA media sphere, and wrote up a brief analysis of the players they had the Lakers selecting. As has been mentioned very frequently, the Lakers needs this offseason are frontcourt help and athleticism and consistent 3-point shooting on the perimeter.

With the 2026 NBA Draft expected to be a deep and talented one, the chances that the Lakers are able grab a potential impact player are quite high. Here’s an updated roundup following the release of ClutchPoints’ NBA insider Brett Siegel’s latest mock draft.

Lakers 2026 NBA Mock Draft results

ClutchPoints: Brett Siegel

No. 25: Isaiah Evans, Duke, SG/SF

The Athletic: Sam Vecenie

No. 25: Chris Cenac Jr., Houston, F

SB Nation: Ricky O’Donnell

No. 25: Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State, F

Yahoo Sports: Kevin O’Connor

No. 25: Dailyn Swain, Texas, F

Lakers mock draft analysis

Following the most recent mock drafts, unlike the first batch from a little over a week ago, there doesn’t seem to be a general consensus in terms of one player the Lakers seem most likely to target. Instead, it’s a mix of players who all bring something different to the court, but with each one of them being able to address some of the Lakers’ roster needs.

With creative and elite ball-handlers like Luka Doncic, and presumably Austin Reaves, and potentially LeBron James, wings who don’t need the ball in their hands and can thrive in catch-and-shoot situations are a necessity. And they need to be able to defend on the perimeter.

That’s why Isaiah Evans, the pick in Siegel’s mock draft, would be a perfect fit. The former Duke wing has good size to play the two or the three. He was a good defender in college and he shot 38 percent from 3-point range across two seasons with the Blue Devils. He was mentioned before as a player the Lakers should pay attention to during the NCAA Tournament.

Chris Cenac Jr. has been mocked to the Lakers in a couple of mock drafts now and he would definitely fit the bill in terms of athleticism. He’s still very raw, however, and would be a potential high-risk but high-reward type of selection. He moves well without the ball which is needed alongside the Lakers’ ball-handlers, and projects to be a good defender at the power forward position.

Joshua Jefferson is a player who was mentioned by Siegel as a potential option for the Lakers and should be available when they’re on the clock. He’s probably one of the more NBA-ready players in the draft with good size to play either forward position, especially defensively. He’s strong and has a diversified offensive skill set with high basketball IQ.

And lastly, the new name on the mock roundup for the Lakers is Dailyn Swain. Swain is interesting in that he’s another older player but potentially ready to contribute from the get-go. He has good size for a forward and has the tools to be a strong defensive player. He’s improved his 3-point shooting as well, going from less than 20 percent as a freshman, to a career-best 34.4 percent on nearly three attempts per game as a junior.

As mentioned before, this draft represents a great opportunity for the Lakers to address important roster needs.

The post Lakers 2026 NBA Mock Draft roundup after ClutchPoints’ Mock Draft 3.0 release appeared first on ClutchPoints.