Lauren Betts, the UCLA Bruins star, has long been viewed as a potential game-changer in the WNBA, but her draft stock appears to be slipping. Despite her aspirations to win a national championship before leaving the NCAA, Betts may no longer be a top-two or top-three pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. This season’s developments, including the Dallas Wings securing the No. 1 overall pick, have stirred up significant interest around the draft.
According to USA Today’s latest WNBA mock draft, Betts is projected to go fourth overall to the Washington Mystics. The Mystics are shaping a strong young roster, having previously drafted Sonia Citron, Kiki Iliafen, and Georgia Amoore—players who have shown promise and resilience, with Citron and Iliafen both making All-Star appearances despite Amoore missing last season due to injury. Incorporating Betts could strengthen the Mystics’ young core even further.
Concerns remain about Betts’ transition to the professional game, particularly regarding her speed adjustment, screen setting, and vulnerability to double teams. Recently, she missed UCLA’s third-place victory over Duke due to an elbow injury, shortly after the Bruins were held to just eight points in a loss to Texas. However, her impressive size positions her as an elite rim protector, and pairing her with talents like Amoore and Citron could maximize her close-range scoring efficiency.
While Betts’ scoring averages have dipped from 20.2 points per game in 2024-25 to 14.1 points in 2025-26, she remains a highly regarded prospect, with Washington likely to be a strong fit for her talents.
Fan Take: This shift in Lauren Betts’ draft positioning is a compelling storyline for WNBA fans, signaling a highly competitive and unpredictable draft ahead. For the league, landing a versatile and talented player like Betts with a team on the rise like the Mystics could translate into exciting young talent development and a boost in the league’s competitive balance.
