Rob Pelinka, Los Angeles Lakers
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Rob Pelinka, Los Angeles Lakers
With the trade deadline now behind them and the season set to resume following the All-Star break, many teams are already beginning to evaluate their long-term outlook, including the Los Angeles Lakers.
Much of the focus centers on LeBron James’ uncertain future. If James departs in free agency, the Lakers are projected to have roughly $51 million in cap space this summer, even when accounting for Austin Reaves’ $20.9 million free agent hold, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
With Reaves widely expected to return, Los Angeles could gain the financial flexibility needed to reshape its roster and pursue major upgrades aggressively.
At the same time, the 2026 NBA Draft presents an opportunity to add young, cost-controlled talent, with the Lakers currently holding access to their first-round pick.
Lakers Projected to Target High-Upside Guard in Latest Mock Draft
If James leaves, the Lakers may look to the draft to secure a long-term successor with two-way potential. ESPN draft analyst Jeremy Woo previously projected Los Angeles selecting Baylor freshman forward Tounde Yessoufou late in the first-round.
However, Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman offered a different projection in his latest mock draft, identifying USC guard Alijah Arenas as the Lakers’ potential selection at No. 21.
Arenas brings a notable basketball lineage. He is the son of three-time All-Star Gilbert Arenas, whose career spanned between 2001-2013.
Now playing for USC, the younger Arenas has shown flashes of his 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 shooting efficiency has been inconsistent following an injury-delayed start.
Despite those freshman struggles, Wasserman believes Arenas’ long-term upside remains highly appealing.
“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.”
“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.”
Lakers Could View Arenas as Long-Term Backcourt Investment
Arenas’ scoring ability has become increasingly evident in recent weeks.
On February 4, he delivered a career-high 29 points in a win over Indiana, shooting 9-of-23 from the field while connecting on three three-pointers and going 8-of-9 from the free-throw line. He also contributed six rebounds, one steal, and one block.
He followed that performance with 24- and 25-point outings against Penn State and Ohio State, respectively. Against Penn State, he shot an efficient 8-of-17 from the field while adding two steals and two blocks.
In the Ohio State matchup, Arenas recorded a career-high three steals, contributing to seven steals over a four-game span. Combined with his 7-foot wingspan, those flashes suggest promising defensive potential.
247Sports’ Adam Finkelstein also highlighted Arenas’ long-term ceiling, noting that “he is a glaring talent in the midst of a late growth spurt and has significant long-term potential.”
While the Lakers had limited tradable draft capital at the trade deadline, their flexibility improves significantly this summer, when they will have three tradable first-round picks available in 2026, 2031, and 2033.
Of course, draft plans can quickly change. With speculation continuing around potential superstar pursuits, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, whom ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported the Lakers view as the “big prize,” Los Angeles could ultimately choose to use its draft assets as part of a larger move.
Whether through the draft or a blockbuster acquisition, the Lakers appear poised to shape the next chapter of the franchise around youth, flexibility, and long-term upside.