The Los Angeles Lakers made their first real move of the 2025 NBA Draft on Thursday, sending the No. 55 pick and cash to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for the 45th overall selection, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. With no first-round pick this year — a lingering consequence of the Anthony Davis trade — the Lakers are using their limited draft capital to get aggressive early in Round 2.
By including cash in the deal, the Lakers are now officially hard-capped at the second tax apron for the 2025-26 season, as noted by cap expert Keith Smith. That makes this pick all the more valuable — both financially and roster-wise — as Los Angeles looks to find low-cost contributors who can help immediately under new head coach JJ Redick.
The Lakers’ front office is known for identifying talent in the second round (think Jordan Clarkson, Ivica Zubac, and Max Christie), and they’ll be hoping to strike gold again at No. 45. With several notable names still on the board entering Day 2 — including Ryan Kalkbrenner, Kam Jones, and Johni Broome — the question now becomes: who is L.A. targeting?
Here’s a look at three players the Lakers could be eyeing with their newly acquired pick.
Los Angeles Lakers Trade Up in Second Round — Who Are They Targeting?
Vladislav Goldin | 7’0″ Center | Michigan | Age: 24
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A seasoned and polished big man, Goldin played a key role on Dusty May’s Final Four run at Florida Atlantic before following his coach to Michigan, where he thrived alongside Danny Wolf. With a background in wrestling, Goldin excels at establishing deep post position and finishing with soft touch around the rim. He brings strong fundamentals, great hands, and interior toughness that could make him an ideal third center on an NBA roster. For a Lakers team in need of reliable frontcourt depth, Goldin offers plug-and-play potential as a low-cost rotation piece.
Rocco Zikarsky | 7’3″ Big | Brisbane Bullets (NBL) | Age: 18
One of the most intriguing long-term prospects still on the board, Zikarsky combines legitimate 7-foot-3 size with mobility and soft hands. Though he battled minor injuries during his NBL season and showed some rawness, the upside is tantalizing. He runs the floor well, has impressive coordination for his frame, and shows flashes of rim protection ability. While his high hips and current lack of lower-body strength can hurt him in post defense, Zikarsky is the kind of high-upside developmental big worth taking a flier on. If the Lakers want to stash a future project, he could be their guy.
RJ Luis Jr. | 6’6″ Wing | St. John’s | Age: 22
A physical, high-motor wing, Luis brings defensive versatility and downhill aggression that could translate well to an NBA bench role. He excels at attacking the rim, cutting off the ball, and defending multiple positions, making him a tone-setter on both ends. His rebounding and post-up ability also stand out for a guard/forward hybrid. However, concerns about his shooting consistency (33.9% on catch-and-shoot 3s) and decision-making may limit his offensive ceiling. Still, Luis is a rugged competitor with shades of Josh Hart, and could appeal to the Lakers as a gritty, switchable wing option at No. 45.