What happened: The Los Angeles Lakers enter NBA Draft Day slated to select 25th in the first round. The franchise rallied its fanbase ahead of the night, signaling a focus on its late first-round selection.

Why it matters: A pick at No. 25 lands outside the lottery, where teams typically target rotation depth, upside swings, or trade capital rather than immediate starters. For the Lakers, the selection shapes how they round out the roster heading into the 2026-27 season, with the same late-first-round slot the team has been weighing against its roster needs.

What to watch: Watch whether the Lakers use the No. 25 pick, trade up, or move the selection for veteran help once they are on the clock.