The Lakers’ list of pre-draft workouts continues to grow. With the NBA Draft over three weeks away, the team has wasted no time evaluating prospects they could nab with the 55th overall pick. After working out UConn center Samson Johnson, numerous reports have linked three other league hopefuls to the purple and gold.
Lakers Add Three More Prospects for Pre-Draft Workouts
Lamont Butler
The Lakers are among the 12 teams that have worked out Kentucky guard Lamont Butler, and for good reason. The graduate guard started 27 games under head coach Mark Pope, averaging 11.4 points (.498/.391/.735 splits), 2.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.6 steals per game. A defensive-minded guard known for his on-ball toughness, Butler led the Wildcats to the Sweet 16, bowing out with 18 points and four made threes against Tennessee.
Currently, Lamont Butler isn’t projected to be chosen in the NBA Draft’s two rounds. However, he’s an NBA level defensive player & a strong athlete with a solid all-around skill set. If he impresses at least one NBA team enough during the workouts, that might change his status.
— Bill O’Rear (@billohoops) May 21, 2025
Butler could help the Lakers as an athletic, hard-nosed defender who can shoot well and make plays for others. Even if he doesn’t hear his name called on draft night, the team could turn his pro dreams into reality with a two-way contract, giving him an opportunity to grow in a system that emphasizes player development.
Isaac Nogues
A 6’5” guard from Spain, Isaac Nogues is hoping to become the eighth G Leaguer selected in the NBA Draft. While playing for the Trail Blazers-affiliated Rip City Remix, he 21-year-old averaged 2.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.8 steals per game. Nogues hung his hat on defense this year, recording a G League-record ten steals against the Santa Cruz Warriors in December.
WHAT A STAT LINE! 🤯🔐@ripcityremix rookie Isaac Nogues just broke the G LEAGUE RECORD for steals in a game. pic.twitter.com/IAL2kmt37E
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) December 8, 2024
Nogues’ defensive versatility is a sight to behold for Lakers fans, and an area where he could make a significant impact if given the chance. He told Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer that he can guard multiple positions and gives all his energy on the defensive end of the floor.
On the offensive end, Nogues is a skilled facilitator, making wise and crafty passes both in the half court and transition. He’s also an athletic player who does most of his scoring inside the arc and off of cuts. Despite his awkward jump shot and the need to tone down his fouls and turnovers, Nogues remains a promising player who could succeed in LA.
Izan Almansa
One of several centers linked to the Lakers via mock drafts, Izan Almansa could boost LA’s frontcourt with his professional experience, agility and athleticism. The 6’10” forward joined the NBL’s Next Stars program and spent the 2024-25 season with the Perth Wildcats, averaging 7.6 points, 4.3 rebounds per game. Prior to that, he spent a year with the now-folded G League Ignite, where he put up 11.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game.
May 15, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; Ulrich Chomche (62) and Izane Almansa (60) participate during the 2024 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Unlike Butler and Nogues, Almansa only recently scheduled a pre-draft workout with the Lakers, according to ShotCoverage’s Rob Murrows. At 6’10” and boasting experience at the four and five, Almansa’s interior scoring, rebounding and facilitating make him an intriguing fit for the Lakers.
© Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images