The Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls made headlines Thursday morning with a draft-day trade that shifted the narrative ahead of the NBA Draft’s second round.
Los Angeles, originally set to pick 55th overall, orchestrated a move to climb ten spots higher. The Lakers sent their No. 55 selection along with an undisclosed amount of cash to the Bulls in exchange for the No. 45 pick. This adjustment in position may seem minor, but the strategy behind it offers deeper insight into the Lakers’ offseason approach.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, who broke the news shortly after the deal was finalized, the Lakers were determined to secure a higher spot in hopes of grabbing a target they have had their eyes on throughout the draft process.
Chicago, who already added forward Noa Essengue with the 12th overall pick the night before, appeared comfortable trading down ten places. The Bulls had flexibility after selecting one of the top wing prospects in the class and didn’t view the 45th pick as critical to their draft goals.
Meanwhile, the Lakers have entered the 2025 NBA Draft with a clear need. After they have parted ways with All-Star top man Anthony Davis in a big trade that brought in Luka Dončić earlier this offseason, Los Angeles has been working to fill the void left behind in the paint.
Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times reported Thursday that the Lakers are attempting to position themselves for a shot at Ryan Kalkbrenner, a 7-foot-2 center out of Creighton University. Known for his shot-blocking and interior presence, Kalkbrenner fits the mold of what the Lakers desperately need heading into the 2025–26 season.
While there is no guarantee that Kalkbrenner will still be on the board when the 45th pick comes around, the trade signals the Lakers’ interest in making a calculated move for depth. The former Big East Defensive Player of the Year is expected to draw interest early in the second round, which may leave Los Angeles with few options if other teams act first.
Kalkbrenner’s stock has risen steadily over the past two seasons. He averaged double figures in scoring while he anchored Creighton’s defense with his shot-blocking skills and rim protection. Scouts view him as a player who could step into a rotational NBA role relatively quickly, especially on a team that lacks reliable depth at the center spot.
By parting with cash to move up, the Lakers essentially bet on a prospect slipping into their range — and were willing to pay for the possibility. It’s a smart, low-risk move if Kalkbrenner or a similar-tier big man falls into their lap.
As for the Bulls, the draft continues to shape their roster depth with young talent. Moving back ten spots in the second round allowed them to retain flexibility while still maintaining a strong prospect in Essengue from the first night of the draft.
The next few hours will determine whether the Lakers’ draft gamble pays off. But their intentions are now public: they’re in pursuit of size, and Ryan Kalkbrenner is at the top of their wish list.
See also:
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