The Los Angeles Lakers waited a long time to make a pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. They didn't have a first-round selection, but they traded up to No. 36 on Thursday to get Arkansas forward Adou Thiero.
Los Angeles still needs a starting center, but it has several months to figure that out before opening night in October. The team traded Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic in February and has had a hole in the frontcourt ever since. It also agreed to acquire Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets shortly after, but it nixed the deal after he failed his physical.
The Lakers made another move right after the draft on Thursday, via ESPN's Shams Charania.
Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka.
Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
"Villanova star Eric Dixon has agreed to a two-way NBA contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN," he reported. "Dixon was the No. 1 scorer in college basketball last season, shooting 41% from 3-point range."
The 6-foot-8-inch, 265-pounder averaged 23.1 points on 45.1 percent shooting with 5.1 rebounds across 34.7 minutes for the Wildcats last season.
Fans had mixed reactions on social media.
"Lakers fans gonna say he’s better than [Jayson] Tatum now," one said.
"How was he undrafted then?" one asked.
"How did he go that low in the draft if he was hooping like that?" another one asked.
"Lakers got a SNIPER!" another said.
"Ring us I’ve seen enough," another said.
"NOT GONNA SAVE THEM," another said.
Dixon played five seasons at Villanova and became a full-time starter in 2021-22.