Lauren Betts’ Offensive Game Under Scrutiny as Analyst Doubts Fit With Paige Bueckers

The signs for the WNBA 2026 season are not positive, with the players’ association ready for a strike. Nneka Ogwumike provided the actual reason behind the WNBPA’s strike option decision. Amid this, all eyes are on the 2026 draft class, who are ready to jump into the professional league with players like Lauren Betts, Kiki Rice, Olivia Miles, Azzi Fudd, and even international star Awa Fam putting up a show for the fans and WNBA teams.

While the top players of the 2024-25 season are once again in strong form, the UCLA center is struggling on the offensive end. A WNBA analyst pointed out the same and predicted that Betts won’t be the top pick in the draft.

Lauren Betts’ Offensive Game Taking Serious Hit

After an extraordinary season, the 6-foot-7 star was the top pick in many media houses’ draft predictions. In the 2025-26 season, however, the player struggled on the offensive end, dropping from a 20.2 points-per-game average to 15 points, accompanied by a decline in shooting efficiency.

WNBA Analyst Jack Maloney pointed out the same and mentioned that she wouldn’t fit the Wings’ requirements. He wrote, “Even when Betts was at her best last season, however, her offensive game was limited. She is an efficient finisher around the basket when she has space or a clear size advantage, but struggles against more physical and athletic opponents, especially when she doesn’t get great position.”

Lauren Betts vs SEC opponents this season:

8.5 PTS
8.5 RBS
2.5 AST
2.5 BLK
42.1% FG

Thoughts? ✨ pic.twitter.com/ho2gANRKcM

— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) November 26, 2025

“Betts also rarely shoots outside of the paint. She’s never taken a 3-pointer in her career, and has only taken 14 shots outside of the paint in nine games this season (she has made 50% of them, which is encouraging),” Maloney added.

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While the Wings are in search of a strong forward to combine with Paige Bueckers’ playmaking, who can be helpful on the offensive end, too, Betts certainly won’t be the exact match. Moreover, the Minnesota Lynx linked to UCLA’s star after Cheryl Reeve and Danielle Robinson were at her game.

Although she is not living up to the expectations of being the top pick, Betts is certainly an impactful player who helped put the UCLA side in the final four for the first time. She remains one of the top probable picks.  

Lauren Betts Dropping To Fourth Place In Latest WNBA Draft Predictions

At the end of November, the draft projections showed the star in the fourth position. In many games, UCLA’s Kiki Rice’s playmaking and defence outshone Betts, helping the team have an 11-1 record.

The Spain-born star averaged in single digits early in the season and has now improved a bit. Performances from Azzi Fudd, Awa Fam, and others are outshining the UCLA star, dropping her from the first position.

Interestingly, though, she was part of the USA basketball training camp, making her only the second college athlete, with JuJu Watkins, in the senior practice. This highlights her potential and gives her confidence to compete against the professional stars.