The Los Angeles Lakers can use their late pick to free themselves of a nasty contract.

Los Angeles will also have the No. 25 pick in this year's draft. They have been starting to work out prospects in this year's draft class, including Baba Miller, a 6-foot-11 forward who played at the University of Cincinnati this past season.

Here's how USA TODAY predicts the No. 25 pick of the 2026 NBA Draft will play out for the Los Angeles Lakers after the combine and early entry deadline.

Utah passes on Peterson to bet on the potential and fit of North Carolina's Wilson

The Los Angeles Lakers face several consequential decisions this offseason, starting with the futures of Austin Reaves and LeBron James. Even more immediate, however, is the NBA Draft on June 23, in which L.A. owns the 25th overall pick.

Click on the year below for all picks from a specific Draft year. 2020 | No. 1 pick — Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves) | Full Draft 2015 | No. 1 pick — Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves) | Full Draft 1980 | No. 1 pick — Joe Barry Carroll (Golden State Warriors) | Full Draft

NBA teams have approved a new lottery system to prevent teams from "tanking" in order to receive better players in the next season's draft.

Here's who's staying in the NBA Draft and who's returning to school next season.