The NBA regular season is over, which means many teams are shifting their focus entirely to the 2026 NBA Draft.

With nearly half of the teams done with games for the season, their scouts and front office executives will soon determine which future pros they may add to their roster for next year. After an exciting March Madness tournament won by the Michigan Wolverines, several prospects showed exactly what they can offer in the league.

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As many collegiate players announce their intention to declare early entry to the 2026 NBA Draft, we can start to develop a more clear picture of what this class may look like.

The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, which will determine the order of picks one through fourteen, will be held May 10 in Chicago, followed immediately that week by the draft combine, also in Chicago.

Here’s how USA TODAY currently projects the No. 25 pick will play out with Los Angeles Lakers making the selection.

Our draft order is based on Tankathon.com and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Los Angeles Lakers 2026 projected draft picks

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Los Angeles Lakers 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 25 overall, Morez Johnson Jr., F, Michigan

Kalbrosky’s Analysis:

Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best two-way players in the NCAA. He is a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season, leading his team to win the NCAA championship game, and has thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois. Johnson’s shooting form at the free throw line looks good, and he scores well near the rim, especially when cutting to the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout and All-Big Ten big man is a trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should carve out minutes at the next level.

See USA TODAY’s full mock draft 10.0 here

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Morez Johnson Jr. player profile

(all stats as of April 8)

  • 62.8 field goal percentage

  • 37.9 three-point field goal percentage

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Los Angeles Lakers NBA mock draft: latest predictions before 2026 playoffs