Lakers Trade Up but Face Challenges as Second-Apron Team

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant move ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft by trading up ten spots in the second round. On Thursday, they exchanged picks with the Chicago Bulls, moving from the 55th to the 45th pick, along with sending cash considerations to Chicago.

This trade, while commonplace in the NBA, carries major implications for the Lakers. By making this move, they’ve officially entered the second apron category of the luxury tax, which hampers their flexibility before free agency.

The second apron status effectively removes the Lakers’ hopes of improving their roster through free agency this summer. General Manager Rob Pelinka and the team are now constrained to making trades, which will require salaries to match precisely, complicating their efforts moving forward.

Critics are questioning Pelinka’s decision to trade up for what many believe could be a player who may not even make the roster. This move appears to undermine their chances of securing a starting-caliber center, the team’s most pressing need entering the offseason.

Many Lakers fans express discontent with this decision, as some believe it highlights poor judgment during a crucial period for the franchise. It raises concerns about whether Pelinka has a backup plan in action, as this trade seems ill-timed. If a center is not secured, the Lakers may have to rely on G-League talent or existing players like Jaxson Hayes to fill that role, which many believe is not a viable solution for a team aiming for a championship.

As the situation evolves, supporters and analysts alike will keep a close watch on Pelinka’s next steps to see if he can realign the team’s trajectory as they head into the NBA Draft.