The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2025 NBA Draft with only one selection, but they managed to make the most of it across the two-night event.
Originally positioned at pick No. 55, the Lakers traded up—first to No. 45, and then to No. 36—where they chose Adou Thiero, a dynamic two-way wing out of the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Even though Thiero was their sole draft selection, the Lakers stayed aggressive in the undrafted free agent market, where several standout names were still available.
They promptly secured an Exhibit-10 contract with North Carolina standout RJ Davis, one of college basketball’s most well-known figures in recent years. But perhaps the biggest surprise came when the team landed Villanova’s Eric Dixon—the NCAA’s leading scorer last season—on a two-way deal.
Dixon put up 23.3 points per game while shooting an efficient 45.1% from the floor and an impressive 40.7% from beyond the arc. He also contributed 5.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.
A career-long Villanova player, Dixon now heads to a Lakers franchise known for maximizing the potential of undrafted players. He’s expected to get a real shot to prove himself in the upcoming Summer League, playing alongside RJ Davis and Bronny James.
If the Lakers have learned anything in recent years, it’s that post-draft gems can turn into major contributors.
Just consider the success stories of Austin Reaves and Alex Caruso—both went undrafted but made lasting impacts in the NBA. Reaves is now closing in on a major extension with L.A., while Caruso, a key part of the Lakers’ 2020 championship team, recently captured his second NBA title with the Oklahoma City Thunder and has become one of the league’s premier defenders.
