In a loaded NBA Draft like 2026, the Los Angeles Lakers' 25th overall pick can go a lot further than it would in many other years. However, that is also precisely why many solid prospects will withdraw from the process, hoping for a better path to the league in a weaker 2027 class.
The Lakers already saw it happen when Flory Bidunga removed himself from the options available and opted for a transfer to the Louisville Cardinals instead. Even though it would have been perfectly justifiable for Koa Peat to do the same, he didn't. Despite having plenty of NIL money waiting for him back in the NCAA, the Arizona Wildcats forward is reportedly keeping himself in the NBA Draft.
Jason Scheer wrote: "Koa Peat has made the decision to stay in the NBA Draft. There was some speculation that Peat could return to college after mixed reviews from the NBA Combine and Klutch Pro Day, but Peat has determined that he wants to take the next step with his career."
This is far from insignificant for the Lakers. Peat stands out to many as a natural fit in Los Angeles. It also is not out of the real of possibility for the now former Wildcat to slip and be available at the 25th overall pick. This puts a major name in play for Rob Pelinka and company moving forward.
Koa Peat should get a strong look from the Lakers front office
Peat's decision to remain in the NBA Draft should a welcomed one from the Lakers, but still stands out as incredibly surprising to many for good reason. Jake Fischer did a good reason breaking down why that is the case in his recent round-up from the draft.
With a possible NIL money range of $4-to-$6 million, Fischer cited Peat as a prime example as someone who would stand to make less money by slipping out of the lottery and into the lower half of the first round. Unless there is a secret draft promise that no one knows about, that is where most project him to end up.
It is certainly where the Lakers would like to see him. Landing Peat at 25th overall was characterized as a potential "steal" by Lake Show Life's Chris Lambert.
Lambert drew some comparisons to P.J. Washington, highlighting Peat's impressive physique and forceful playing style as desirables for the Lakers. For a team looking to get more athletic on the wings, it is understandable why that makes the former Wildcat a standout for Los Angeles.
The concern with Peat comes from the rougher edges of his game. Peat did not shoot the ball much from deep at Arizona, only hoisting 0.6 attempts per game from beyond the arc. As a 62.3 percent free throw shooter, it is tough to qualify whether the Lakers can get him up to speed with that shot.
Those are the type of risks you have to take at a draft position like 25, though. There is no such thing as a perfect prospect at that range, and Peat has more upside than many of the other players who project as potentially available.
Given how closely the Lakers have worked with Klutch Sports over recent years, that connection should not be lost on anyone either. Maybe that offers a clue as to why Rich Paul was comfortable keeping his client in the draft despite many believing returning to Arizona was the safer path.
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