Her stats are down in the 2025 season, but Lauren Betts is still a top five pick in the 2026 Draft

Lauren Betts is one of the most talented names in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Depending on need of teams, she can go anywhere between the first and fourth pick. As of right now Yahoo Sports has her going No. 4 to the Washington Mystics. Providing them with a top-level talent that can be an anchor on both offense and defense. Betts is elite on defense, and her low post game can help any offense. She was the Big Ten Player of the Year in 2026 and has won Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year the last two seasons.

Betts numbers are down from her junior year where she was a consistent 20 and 10 player. But UCLA is a much better team than they were last year. Providing more balance with Gianna Kneepkens and Charlisse Leger-Walker. So, they don’t need the same type of production they got from her in the 2024 season. She averaged 16.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game on offense, while providing 1.9 blocks and 1.1 steals per game on defense.

Betts shook off an early season injury in the Texas game that UCLA suffered their only loss in. She was able to return back to her dominant self on both ends of the floor after that. Helping lead UCLA on a 25-game winning streak since that loss, which included winning the Big Ten regular season and tournament titles. As they head towards the NCAA tournament guaranteed to get a No. 1 seed. Betts would like to end her college career with a national title before heading to the WNBA.

Betts remains the Bruins best player, despite all of the talent. The team will go as far as she takes them. She looks more than ready to lead everything with a date with UCONN most likely to come up at some point. If Betts has a big March Madness showing she could easily fall into the top three of the WNBA Draft. Regardless of position need, if you want the best player, you’re going to find it in Betts. As she will anchor both ends of the floor for many years to come.