The Los Angeles Lakers have widened their pre-draft search, bringing in nine additional players for private workouts as the 2026 NBA Draft approaches. The franchise holds the 25th overall pick and continues to examine options ranging from first-round candidates to players projected to go undrafted.
Prospects Recently Hosted
According to ESPN, the latest group invited to El Segundo included:
- Skyy Clark, guard, UCLA
- Oscar Cluff, center, Purdue
- Josh Dix, guard, Creighton
- Roddy Gayle Jr., guard, Michigan
- Nate Johnson, guard, Kansas State
- Trey Kaufman-Renn, forward, Purdue
- Tamin Lipsey, guard, Iowa State
- Ebuka Okorie, guard, Stanford
- Tarris Reed, forward, UConn
Several names on the list—Clark, Kaufman-Renn, Lipsey and Reed—were previously linked to the Lakers’ draft preparations. Reed and Stanford’s Okorie remain in the conversation for the No. 25 selection, while Houston forward Chris Cenac Jr. has also been evaluated as a possible choice in that range.
Scouting Focus
The Lakers’ staff targeted a variety of skill sets during these sessions:
- Okorie, an energetic but undersized point guard, consistently attacks the paint and defends with high intensity.
- Cluff, a physical interior presence, impressed with rebounding and passing ability.
- Dix displayed elite perimeter shooting and developing playmaking skills.
- Johnson and Gayle, both experienced backcourt defenders, showcased readiness to contribute immediately.
Los Angeles is expected to continue evaluating talent through the draft and into post-draft free agency to bolster its roster depth.
Roster Decisions Loom
Beyond draft preparations, the front office must decide on several veterans from last season. League sources indicate guard Marcus Smart is currently viewed as more likely to return than center Deandre Ayton.
The Lakers will finalize their draft board in the coming days before the first round begins on June 24.
Source: Lakers Nation
