{"id":183088,"date":"2026-03-24T16:09:16","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T20:09:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=183088"},"modified":"2026-03-24T16:42:31","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T20:42:31","slug":"2026-nba-mock-draft-lakers-allen-graves-santa-clara","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/03\/24\/2026-nba-mock-draft-lakers-allen-graves-santa-clara\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Mock Draft Links Lakers to Santa Clara Forward"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Los Angeles Lakers remain tied to centers ahead of this year\u2019s draft, but recent mocks have them addressing another critical need: 3-and-D forwards<\/a>. With a chunk of their frontcourt destined for free agency, could a first-round flyer be the right move?<\/span><\/p>\n

2026 Mock Draft Links Lakers to Santa Clara Forward<\/h2>\n

Sports Illustrated Mock Draft: Lakers Select Allen Graves<\/h3>\n

In a <\/span>Mar. 22 mock draft<\/span><\/a> for Indiana Pacers on SI, writer Alex Golden connected the Lakers to Santa Clara\u2019s <\/span>Allen Graves<\/span><\/a>, a first-year forward with solid two-way potential:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhile upgrading the center position remains a priority, that need could also be addressed in free agency. At No. 25, landing a polished wing like Graves would be a strong value pick. The 6-foot-9 forward shot an efficient 51.7% from the field and 41.6% from three on limited volume, showcasing his skill and feel for the game. Though not an elite athlete, his size, strength, and basketball IQ help compensate. Defensively, he displays strong awareness, and his well-rounded game should translate to the NBA, even if initially in a limited role.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Graves put up 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.8 assists per game for the Broncos, who fell to Kentucky in the first round of the NCAA Tournament<\/a>. A 6\u20199\u201d, 225-pound power forward, he scores off of jump hooks and floaters in the post while occasionally stepping out for catch-and-shoot threes. As Golden noted, Graves is active and engaged on defense, which should help a Laker team that\u2019s improved on that end. <\/span>Graves<\/span><\/a> could also fit right in as a play connector. He has a knack for making reads in the post and eluding double-teams with his court vision.<\/span><\/p>\n