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Lakers Make Massive Roster Decision Following Bold Draft Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 2:37 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers have made a move in the 2025 NBA draft. The team has traded up with the Chicago Bulls to land pick No. 45 in exchange for pick No. 55 and cash.

Los Angeles had been trying to move up to land a cheap player, and Chicago bit at the price the team was comfortable with. The Lakers didn't have many assets to work with either, but they must be targeting a player in that range to make this move.

However, due to this trade, the Lakers have just made a massive roster decision for the upcoming season. Because they are sending out cash, the Lakers will now be hard-capped at the second apron for next year.

Los Angeles wasn't likely to go over the second apron anyway, so this likely won't affect team-building. But the Lakers are now unable to spend extra if the opportunity presents itself.

The Los Angeles Lakers sending out cash to move up in tonight's second round means they will be hard-capped at the second apron for next season.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 26, 2025

Los Angeles is still searching for a center to help upgrade the frontcourt. Everyone around the NBA knows that the team needs help in that area, so the prices for a center have continued to be very high.

The Lakers also need help at the wing position, and they have been rumored to be in active discussions. Veteran Andrew Wiggins of the Miami Heat has reportedly been a target of the team, but nothing has come to fruition of yet.

The front office has a lot of work to do this summer if it wants to build a title-contending team. But with Luka Doncic and LeBron James in the mix, Los Angeles will do whatever it can to win games next season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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