Lauren Betts started the season for UCLA slowly. She was struggling on offense and not having her normal impact on defense. A big factor was the injury that she tried to battle through against Texas. But as the season has gone along, she has gotten better and better. Getting back to her dominant self on defense while also providing good offense. Leading the Bruins to a 22-1 record and a No. 2 ranking in the country. As the UCONN barrier continues to be in front of them a team they are looking to finally get over the hump against and win a championship.
LB is looking to run it back đź‘€
— UCLA Women's Basketball (@UCLAWBB) February 6, 2026
Our center has been named to the Lisa Leslie Award Mid-Season Top 10!
🗞️: https://t.co/bZdcQeR4N2#GoBruins x #LeslieAward pic.twitter.com/oQW62vRpKE
Betts started this season as the consensus No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. But due to her slow start many mock drafts have dropped her behind Azzi Fudd and Awa Fam. Betts with her recent streak could garner getting back up into considerations to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft. She is a player that can get you 20 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks on any given night. There are not many players that can change a game on both ends of the floor and Betts does just that.
2024 Lauren Betts is starting to return for the Bruins recently
UCLA is a powerhouse this season. Although they have many great players, including all five of their starters that could be possible first round picks. Betts still remains the best player on the team even in a down season from her 2024 campaign. Ultimately UCLA will go as far as she takes them. When the games become closer in March you need your stars to be able to go and make a play. Betts can do that for this team.
Can’t talk enough about Lauren Betts’ defensive impact
— Joshua (@pointmadejosh) January 29, 2026
Her IQ and awareness shines through, as she’s constantly cutting off drivers and closing the distance to help from the weak-side
On-ball, she moves her feet well for her size, even on the perimeter pic.twitter.com/MpHXmMoRg3
The fact of the matter remains that UCLA will not continue to blow out every single team. The games in the NCAA tournament will become grind it out battles. The margin for error becomes smaller and it is win or go home. Betts can continue to boost her status as being the No. 1 pick with a great finish to the season. Then head into March Madness and dominate there and bring UCLA home with a championship. If that’s the case it will be hard to overlook her draft position being at the top of the board.