The Los Angeles Lakers now have a higher pick in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft as they have agreed to terms on a trade with the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls were originally in possession of the 45th overall pick in the draft, and that pick has now gone to the Lakers in exchange for the 55th overall pick and cash.

“The Los Angeles Lakers are moving up in the second round of the NBA Draft tonight, acquiring the No. 45 pick from the Chicago Bulls for No. 55 and cash, sources tell ESPN,” Shams Charania said in a post.

Bulls GM Marc Eversley made it clear on Wednesday night that the team was planning on either moving out of the second round entirely, or taking the draft-and-stash route. It is a bit surprising to see the Bulls giving up what could be another valuable draft pick as they try to build a young core, but this was clearly part of the plan.

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The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft went down on Wednesday night, and the Lakers were not involved in any picks or transactions. The Bulls were in possession of the 12th overall pick, and they used it to select French prospect Noa Essengue. Essengue has some developing to do before he is a real contributor for the team, but the Bulls are confident about his future with the organization.

Chicago is clearly satisfied with how their NBA Draft has gone given the fact that the team has now traded away its other pick and moved back 10 spots. Don't be surprised if the Bulls end up making another trade before that 55th pick rolls around, and if they don't, they will likely take a player who they plan to develop overseas or in the G League.

Day two of the 2025 NBA Draft will get underway on Thursday at 8 ET from the Barclays Center in New York.