With the NBA trade deadline behind them and the All-Star break approaching, the Los Angeles Lakers are already looking ahead to roster construction, including potential moves in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Much of the speculation revolves around LeBron James and his uncertain future; if James departs in free agency, the Lakers could have roughly $51 million in cap space, even after accounting for Austin Reaves’ $20.9 million free agent hold, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Assuming Reaves returns, Los Angeles could leverage that financial flexibility to reshape the roster and pursue long-term upgrades. Meanwhile, the 2026 draft presents a chance to add young, cost-controlled talent. The Lakers currently hold their first-round pick, creating an opening to select a high-upside prospect.
Lakers reportedly targeting Alijah Arenas
Bleacher Report draft analyst Jonathan Wasserman has projected the Lakers may select USC guard Alijah Arenas at No. 21. Arenas, the son of three-time All-Star Gilbert Arenas, has already shown flashes of offensive upside. Through eight games this season, he is averaging 14.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 steals per game, though his efficiency has been inconsistent following an injury-delayed start.
“Considering Alijah Arenas’ offseason injury and delayed start to the season, scouts will forgive the shooting percentages,” Wasserman wrote. “The tape shows eye-opening self-creation with sharp handles, shiftiness and footwork. He has joystick movement, getting to spots and keeping defenders off balance.”
Wasserman added, “Given his flashy dribble and ambitious moves, his shotmaking confidence and potency are unsurprisingly high. How well he’s able to channel that confidence could determine his value at the next level, as he looks like a surefire pro scorer who’ll just have to control the urges and shot selection better.”
Strong recent performances hint at upside
Arenas’ scoring has become more evident in recent weeks. On February 4, he posted a career-high 29 points against Indiana, including three three-pointers and 8-of-9 from the free-throw line. He added six rebounds, one steal, and one block. He followed up with 24- and 25-point games against Penn State and Ohio State, recording seven steals over that four-game span. Combined with his seven-foot wingspan, these performances suggest potential on both ends of the floor.
247Sports’ Adam Finkelstein noted Arenas’ ceiling, describing him as “a glaring talent in the midst of a late growth spurt with significant long-term potential.”
While the Lakers’ draft plans could shift-especially with speculation around pursuing superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo-targeting Arenas aligns with a broader strategy of youth, flexibility, and building a backcourt for the future. With three tradable first-round picks available in 2026, 2031, and 2033, Los Angeles has multiple avenues to secure talent or leverage assets for a blockbuster move.
