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Ricardo Sandoval is a Newsweek contributor based in Los Angeles, CA. His focus is sports content. Ricardo has been with Newsweek since 2024 and also writes for On SI for the Lakers, Bucks, Celtics, Pacers, and Trail Blazers sites. Ricardo also is a staff writer for Dodgers Nation. He is a graduate of California State University Northridge. You can get in touch with Ricardo by emailing [email protected]. You can also follow Ricardo on X @_RicardoSand

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The Los Angeles Lakers are moving up 10 spots for Thursday's second round of the 2025 NBA Draft.

More Lakers news: Austin Reaves Reportedly Reaches Decision on Lakers Contract Extension

The Lakers are trading up from the No. 55 pick to the No. 45, swapping picks with the Chicago Bulls.

A view of the Los Angeles Lakers logo on their uniform during the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 04, 2022 in Washington, DC. Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images

The Lakers are also trading cash to the Bulls.

All eyes are on Los Angeles as they are expected to make massive moves this summer. This trade is their first significant move of the offseason.

While second-round picks aren't that highly coveted, it appears that they are enamored with someone who could be available at that spot in the draft. Who that is remains to be seen.

According to ESPN's latest second-round mock draft by Jonathan Givony, the Lakers are mocked to take Alex Toohey, a forward from Sydney, Australia.

"Toohey checks some boxes with his feel for the game, consistent motor, length and anticipation on the defense. He has sharp basketball instincts, but he'll need to become a more consistently aggressive and impactful offensive threat to use them in an NBA role -- something he took a step in the right direction with this past year."

Although the Lakers need to add a center to their roster, it appears that they will attract a wing player with the No. 45 pick. It is likely that the Lakers will add a center via trade or in free agency, which is set to start in less than a week.

The Lakers came into the draft with just one pick, and for now, that still holds true. However, after making a notable move ahead of night two, there's a real possibility they're not done just yet. Another move could be on the horizon as the draft unfolds.

Los Angeles is at the forefront of the offseason, and while night one of the draft was disappointing, the Lakers are expected to be big players in the coming weeks.

The Lakers have been linked to numerous players thus far, and we'll soon find out if they can catapult themselves into serious title contenders for next season and beyond.

What type of role the No. 45 pick will play for L.A. remains a mystery.

More NBA news: Mavericks Fans Erupt in 'Fire Nico Harrison' Chant After Cooper Flagg Pick

Jeanie Buss Finally Speaks Out on Lakers' Record-Breaking Purchase

For more on the Los Angeles Lakers and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.

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