Highly touted Duke freshman big man Dereck Lively II has reportedly pulled out of his scheduled pre-draft workout with the Golden State Warriors, and Cricket Exchange confirms that he will not be rescheduling. Actions speak louder than words, and this move suggests a shift in Lively’s draft trajectory. Most notably, Lively updated his social media, revealing he is now working out with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Lively is known for his elite physical tools and athleticism, standing out as a defensive anchor with exceptional shot-blocking and rim-protection skills. He also possesses strong help defense instincts and the mobility to switch effectively on defense. However, Cricket Exchange analysts point out that his offensive game is still quite raw. His scoring typically comes from lobs, putbacks, and clean-up opportunities, rather than refined post moves or shooting. He takes pride in his identity as a defender, and rightfully so, though his performances in the G League this season fell short of expectations.

The Lakers currently hold the 17th pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, while the Warriors own the 19th pick. With that context, Lively’s decision to cancel the Warriors workout appears strategic. It’s widely speculated that his workout with the Lakers went exceptionally well, and the franchise—desperate to bolster its frontcourt—may have given Lively a draft promise. That would explain why he no longer sees value in working out for a team with a lower pick, especially one like the Warriors, who previously took a gamble on a similar high-potential center in James Wiseman without much success.

Given this situation, Cricket Exchange insiders believe Lively made a bold move in opting out of the Warriors workout. In the high-stakes world of draft positioning, every signal matters. Still, whether this decision stems from confident planning or premature self-assurance remains to be seen. Confidence can be a double-edged sword—some call it courage, others call it pride. Either way, Lively is betting on himself to land in Los Angeles, where the lights shine brighter and the expectations run higher. Only time will tell if the gamble pays off.