In a stunning twist that’s sending shockwaves through the NBA world, the Los Angeles Lakers are poised to revolutionize their backcourt with a bold, unexpected selection in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft. According to the latest mock draft from Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman, the Lakers are projected to snag USC guard Alijah Arenas – yes, the son of three-time All-Star Gilbert Arenas – with the No. 21 overall pick. This projection comes hot on the heels of the All-Star break and trade deadline, as teams like the Lakers shift their gaze toward a future potentially without LeBron James.
Arenas, a 6’6″ freshman sensation at USC, has been turning heads despite a rocky start to his college career marred by injuries. The young guard, who hails from Woodland Hills, CA, and was a top-29 recruit in the 2025 class, is averaging 14.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 steals per game through his early outings. But don’t let those numbers fool you – his recent explosions on the court are what have scouts buzzing.
Just weeks ago, on February 4, Arenas dropped a career-high 29 points in USC’s 81-75 victory over Indiana, shooting 9-of-23 from the field, 3-of-9 from beyond the arc, and a near-perfect 8-of-9 from the free-throw line. He added six rebounds, one assist, one block, and one steal for good measure. Following that, he delivered 24 points on 8-of-17 shooting against Penn State, complete with a dramatic game-winning layup with 0.7 seconds left to seal a 77-75 thriller. And he wasn’t done – Arenas followed up with 25 points against Ohio State, showcasing his scoring prowess and adding a career-high three steals.
Wasserman highlights Arenas’ elite self-creation skills, noting his “sharp handles, shiftiness, and footwork” that allow him to maneuver like a joystick on the court. “The tape shows eye-opening self-creation… He has joystick movement, getting to spots and keeping defenders off balance,” Wasserman wrote. Despite inconsistent shooting percentages early on – largely forgivable due to an offseason injury and delayed season start – Arenas’ confidence in shot-making and flashy dribble moves scream “surefire pro scorer.” The key? Refining his shot selection to channel that raw talent into NBA-level efficiency.
This projection couldn’t come at a more pivotal time for the Lakers. With LeBron James’ future hanging in the balance – he could opt out and leave in free agency this summer – LA is staring down approximately $51 million in cap space, even after accounting for Austin Reaves’ $20.9 million free agent hold. Reaves is expected to return, but the Lakers are gearing up for a roster overhaul, potentially chasing big names like Giannis Antetokounmpo, whom they’ve eyed as the ultimate prize.
Yet, if James bolts, drafting Arenas could be the savvy, cost-controlled move to inject youth and upside into a backcourt that’s been craving dynamism. Arenas’ 7-foot wingspan hints at defensive potential, as evidenced by his recent steal sprees – seven over a four-game stretch – and blocks. 247Sports’ Adam Finkelstein praises his “glaring talent in the midst of a late growth spurt,” underscoring significant long-term potential.
The Lakers’ draft capital is also ramping up: They’ll have three first-round picks tradable this summer (2026, 2031, and 2033), giving GM Rob Pelinka flexibility to either build through the draft or package assets for a superstar. But selecting Arenas? That’s the kind of lineage-laden, high-ceiling gamble that echoes the franchise’s storied history of bold moves. Gilbert Arenas, the elder, was a scoring machine from 2001-2013, earning All-Star nods and leaving a legacy of offensive fireworks. Now, his son could carry the torch in purple and gold.
Is Alijah Arenas the missing piece for a post-LeBron Lakers era? His two-way flashes suggest he could pair beautifully with Reaves, providing scoring punch and defensive length in a revamped backcourt. While other mocks vary – some have him going as high as No. 8 to the Bucks or No. 13 to the Thunder – the Bleacher Report projection ties him directly to LA, making this a shakeup no one anticipated.
Of course, drafts are fluid, and Arenas’ stock could soar or dip based on USC’s remaining season. As of February 18, he started in a tough 65-point outing against Illinois, but his trajectory is upward. One thing’s certain: If this projection holds, the Lakers are betting on bloodlines and brilliance to kickstart their next chapter. Stay tuned – this backcourt bombshell might just redefine the franchise.