New Lakers Rumors on CBB Assist King Braden Smith's Workout with LAL Ahead of 2026 NBA Draft

While the Los Angeles Lakers recently brought in Braden Smith for a predraft workout, the team could be looking elsewhere with its lone pick in the 2026 NBA draft.

The Los Angeles Times' Broderick Turner reported the Lakers "were impressed" by the Purdue point guard. However, he noted Smith is generally considered a second-round prospect and cited a center or wing as bigger needs in the No. 25 spot.

Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman projected Smith to go 37th to the Oklahoma City Thunder: "Despite obvious physical limitations, scouts still sound optimistic about Braden Smith's ability to carve out a setup role. He got to any spot he wanted to in NBA combine scrimmages, and that IQ and craftiness for creating for others could be useful to a number of teams."

Smith's age — he'll turn 23 in July — could be selling points for Los Angeles. A franchise in win-now mode could use an experienced floor general who's the all-time Division I leader in assists. Across four seasons with the Boilermakers, he averaged 7.4 assists to 2.7 turnovers per game.

Smith is listed at 5'10", though, and doesn't possess standout athletic traits. He may not have a ton of hidden upside at the next level.

Especially when they have so little draft capital, the Lakers may prefer to take a bigger swing in the first round. There are some free agents who are realistic candidates to slot in as the backup behind Luka Dončić as well.