Mystics’ Lauren Betts delivers confident take on WNBA career outlook

The Washington Mystics have a foundational piece after drafting Lauren Betts as the fourth overall pick in the recently concluded WNBA Draft.

Some were surprised that Betts was still available for the Mystics, especially since she was on the heels of leading UCLA to its first national title in the NCAA Women’s Tournament with a dominant run.

While the 22-year-old center will have adjustments to make in the WNBA, she would likely make an immediate impact for Washington, which is looking to return to the playoffs after back-to-back non-appearances.

In an interview with ClutchPoints’ Joshua Valdez, Betts said she is focusing on her conditioning ahead of her rookie stint in the WNBA, knowing that she had a grueling season with the Bruins.

“They’re going to take good care of me here. I’ve already talked to all the staff, and they know that I just came off a long season. Just making sure that I’m taking extra care of my body. Kiki (Iriafen) has done a really good job of making sure that I know that,” said Betts.

I asked Lauren Betts if she has a plan to make sure her body is rested enough going into the season given that she just came off her collegiate season at UCLA:

“Yeah, they’re going to take good care of me here. I’ve already talked to all the staff, and they know that I just came… pic.twitter.com/hTeFO81MAf

— Joshua Valdez (@joshvaldez100) April 19, 2026

Iriafen was impressive in her rookie campaign last year, averaging 13.3 points and 8.5 rebounds and starting all 44 games for the Mystics.

David also asked Betts what type of player she envisions herself to be in the WNBA, and the two-time First Team All-American was straightforward with her answer.

“The best version of me,” said Betts, who averaged 17.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 2.1 blocks in her senior year at UCLA.

Betts could become only the third player in team history to win as Rookie of the Year after Chamique Holdsclaw in 1999 and Temeka Johnson in 2005.

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