NBA Draft 2026: Los Angeles Lakers Host Workouts for Lipsey, Keita, Spillers and Lewis
The Los Angeles Lakers are actively evaluating prospects ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft, conducting private workouts for Tamin Lipsey, Keba Keita, Tre’Von Spillers, and Malique Lewis. These assessments, reported by various outlets including ESPN and Rookie Wire, confirm the team’s ongoing search for talent to bolster their roster through the upcoming draft process.
Which prospects are the Lakers currently evaluating?
The Lakers have narrowed their focus to four distinct archetypes as they prepare for the draft. According to Cody Taylor of Rookie Wire and confirmed by Dave McMenamin of ESPN, Iowa State playmaker Tamin Lipsey is among those being examined. Bjorn Bergstrom of BYU Cougars Wire reports that center Keba Keita is also in the mix. Additionally, Josh Padmore identifies forward Tre’Von Spillers as a prospect of interest, while Olgun Uluc of ESPN Australia & NZ notes that international wing Malique Lewis has been participating in team workouts.
Did You Know?
Tamin Lipsey holds the distinction of being the all-time leader in steals for the Iowa State program, having earned three consecutive selections to the Big 12 All-Defensive Team during his four-year tenure with the Cyclones.
How do these players fit into NBA team needs?
Each prospect offers a specialized skill set that could provide immediate value in a professional environment. Tamin Lipsey is regarded as a floor general with defensive instincts, though his perimeter shooting remains a point of development. Keba Keita provides verticality and rim protection, while Tre’Von Spillers offers physical versatility with a wingspan exceeding seven feet. Malique Lewis, an NBL Next Stars product, brings modern wing dimensions and the ability to space the floor, having shot 37.5% from three-point range in his most recent season.
Expert Insight:
Samantha Carter notes that the Lakers’ strategy reflects a pragmatic approach to the late-draft process. By targeting players with “transferable” skills—such as Lipsey’s defensive disruption or Lewis’s floor spacing—the team is likely looking for high-upside developmental pieces for two-way contracts rather than immediate starters. The diversity of these roles suggests the front office is keeping their options open regarding roster composition.
What is the timeline for the draft and beyond?
The NBA Draft 2026 is scheduled to take place over two days, with the first round on June 23 and the second round on June 24. Following these scouting efforts, the Lakers are set to return to competitive play on the night of July 4, when they face the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which prospect has the most extensive collegiate experience?
Tamin Lipsey has the most significant collegiate background, having started 137 games over four seasons at Iowa State.
What is Malique Lewis’s professional background?
Lewis has a diverse playing history, having played in Spain, the G League with the Mexico City Capitanes, and the NBL in Australia with the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
Are any of these players expected to be high-round picks?
None of the four prospects are currently projected as high-lottery selections; analysts generally view them as potential candidates for the second round or as targets for two-way contracts.
Which of these prospects do you believe would best complement the current Lakers roster?