Lanier attended The Ensworth School in Nashville, Tennessee. At the conclusion of his high school career, he committed to the University of North Florida to play for North Florida Ospreys.[1] In his first three seasons, he played primarily in a backup role.[2] As a senior during the 2023-24 season, he averaged 19.7 points per game and was named to the first team All-ASUN.[3] At the conclusion of the season, Lanier entered the transfer portal.[4] On May 24, 2024, he transferred to the University of Tennessee to play for the Tennessee Volunteers.[5][6] With Tennessee, he emerged as the team's leading scorer.[7] In his first game with Tennessee, Lanier scored a team high 18 points, leading the Volunteers to an 80–64 win over Gardner–Webb.[8] Against Miami in the Jimmy V Classic, he led the Volunteers in scoring with 22 points, in a 75–62 victory.[9][10]
