The Los Angeles Lakers are making big moves ahead of the second round of the NBA draft. It was announced Thursday morning that the Lakers acquired the No. 45 pick in the draft from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for the No. 55 pick and cash.
ESPN Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania broke the news on X.
Lakers move up 10 picks as they eye a young talent in the second round of the draft tonight. https://t.co/5Z2gyB3ClT
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 26, 2025
A move like this suggests that the Lakers have their eyes on a specific prospect they’re hoping to secure. Here’s a look at the top five players that Los Angeles could be aiming to draft with the newly acquired No. 45 pick.
Top 5 Best-Fit Prospects for Los Angeles Lakers
1. Ryan Kalkbrenner, C
The Lakers are in desperate need of a center, so it would come as no surprise if that’s what the team is seeking out with their new No. 45 selection.
Los Angeles could benefit from an elite rim-protector and impressive offensive force. The team would be wise to seek out a center who can be a pick-and-roll partner for Luka Doncic and can aid in the Lakers’ rebounding.
Ryan Kalkbrenner has the combination of skills that could allow him to thrive in Los Angeles. He’s a jack of all trades who led Creighton in scoring (19.2 ppg), rebounds (8.7 rpg) and blocks (2.7 bpg) this season.
Kalkbrenner is a four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year and could emerge as Los Angeles’ star center.
2. Rocco Zikarsky, C
If the Lakers do decide to go the center route, they have options. Rocco Zikarsky is also a promising option, though he would require more development than Kalkbrenner.
At just 18 years old, Zikarsky has time to grow into a franchise star. He’s already 7-foot-3 and 257 points and his size is one of his biggest assets. The Australia native has a 9-foot-6½ standing reach.
However, Zikarsky doesn’t move particularly well and isn’t as dominant of a physical force as you’d expect for his size. Despite this, his size is hard to ignore and he could offer the Lakers a future center solution.
3. Alex Toohey, F
Alex Toohey is another Australian star who could fit Los Angeles’ needs. The Lakers need forward depth and could particularly improve from the addition of a more versatile forward.
Toohey is a solid all-around forward who has a high basketball IQ. He has an impressive defensive edge but lacks top-tier athleticism.
4. Koby Brea, G
The Lakers are likely looking to add reliable guards who are impressive playmakers to their team ahead of next season, whether that be through the NBA draft or through trades.
Koby Brea could help address Los Angeles’ guard situation. The Kentucky star has been the best shooter in college basketball the past two seasons. In that time frame, he’s drained 47% of his three-pointers. Brea is only an average defensive player but is an efficient offensive force.
After five college seasons, 22-year-old Brea has NBA-ready maturity that could make him an immediate difference maker for the Lakers.
5. Sion James, G/F
Sion James could check the guard and forward boxes for the Lakers. The wing was an essential piece of Duke’s success this season after beginning his college career with four years at Tulane.
James is a team player with defensive depth. He could be of value to Los Angeles if the team is looking for a utility player.
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