After a storybook ending to her college basketball career with the UCLA Bruins, things have been quieter for Lauren Betts since entering the WNBA. Betts has been healthy but has gotten just 13.7 minutes per game with the Washington Mystics so far this season.
The Mystics have plenty of options in the frontcourt, which has allowed Washington head coach Sydney Johnson to give the No. 4 overall pick in this year’s draft limited playing time. For the season, Betts is averaging 5.8 points, 2.7 rebounds and only 0.3 blocks per game.
Visit sweetbonanza.qpon for more information.
Betts played just 12 minutes in the Mystics’ 78-76 loss on Monday to the Indiana Fever, Johnson spoke postgame about his allocation of minutes to his frontcourt, which was up-for-grabs after Washington forward Kiki Iriafen left the game early with an injury.
“It’s just a big transition for Lauren, for all of our young ones,” Johnson said. “Lauren showed off a bit tonight. We’ve seen that before as well. It’s working hard every day so that consistency in our gym, and everything they’re doing with our coaches, can translate over here.”
Lauren Betts was completely hosed by her own coach last night.
— WBB MAYER 🏀 (@wbbmayer) June 9, 2026
The confirmation came in the postgame, where every compliment was followed by a "but."
He doesn't like Betts, which makes me wonder why he drafted her 🤔
Betts had her best game of the season, and was one of the… pic.twitter.com/cNgtpScYRs
Despite the praises, it’s clear Betts hasn’t completely earned the trust of Johnson, with fellow rookie forward Angela Dugalic playing 18 minutes to Betts’ 12. According to Johnson, it’s all a part of the plan, even if it goes against conventional thinking.
“I was super proud of Lauren. She’s going to have more games like that,” Johnson said. “A night like tonight is just another step to where we want to go.”
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Lauren Betts has yet to become a focal part of the Washington Mystics