The Los Angeles Lakers made a move ahead of the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, trading up 10 spots to acquire the No. 45 overall pick from the Chicago Bulls.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Lakers sent the No. 55 pick along with cash considerations to the Bulls in exchange for the higher selection.
The deal was finalized just hours before the start of Thursday’s second round, as front offices around the league maneuvered to secure targeted prospects.
Los Angeles is now positioned to select earlier in the second round, giving the front office flexibility to add a young player they believe can contribute to a rotation that finished third in the Western Conference this past season.
With limited cap flexibility and a veteran-heavy roster, the Lakers have emphasized the importance of second-round development, hoping to replicate past success with picks like Max Christie and Talen Horton-Tucker.
The Bulls, who held the 12th pick in the first round and selected French forward Noa Essengue, opted to move down in the second round and gain additional financial assets.
This marks the Lakers’ second consecutive draft in which they’ve executed a trade to move up the board. In 2024, they traded into the second round to select Bronny James.
No. 45 was one of several mid-round picks originally owned by the Sacramento Kings before being acquired by Chicago through a previous trade.
