Lakers to Select 25th Overall in 2026 NBA Draft
lakers-to-select-25th-overall-2026-nba-draft
The NBA confirmed Monday that the Los Angeles Lakers will hold the 25th pick in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft.
Los Angeles ended the 2025-26 regular season with a 52-29 record, matching the New York Knicks. A league-conducted coin flip on April 20 broke the tie, granting New York the 24th selection and assigning the Lakers the next pick.
One pick currently available
The Lakers also landed the No. 54 choice in the second round, but that pick is headed to the Golden State Warriors because of previous trades. As a result, Los Angeles currently controls only the No. 25 selection.
By draft night in June, the franchise will be able to trade up to three future first-rounders. The Lakers have explored moving first-round picks in recent years without success, and their most recent first-round selections—Dalton Knecht and Jalen Hood-Schifino—have yet to deliver significant impact at the NBA level.
LeBron James’ decision still looms
While draft preparations continue, the organization’s biggest offseason question remains LeBron James’ future. The 41-year-old forward is set to enter free agency, and governor Jeanie Buss said the decision rests entirely with James.
“I’ve always said I want to see him retire as a Laker, but he’s going to be a free agent,” Buss noted. “He’s a valuable player in this league, even in his 23rd season… LeBron has all the cards.”
The NBA Draft is scheduled for June at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Source: LakersNation.com
