What happened: Ahead of the NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers face questions about how to handle the No. 25 overall selection. The discussion centers on which prospect to target at that slot, whether to trade up or down, and how much the pick could fetch in a deal. It also revisits recent first-round selections that have not panned out as hoped.

Why it matters: With the Lakers in win-now mode, the value of a late first-round pick is magnified — either as a developmental swing or as a trade chip to upgrade the rotation. How the front office, now shaped by Tony Bennett's input, approaches the pick offers a window into the team's broader offseason strategy.

What to watch: Watch whether the Lakers keep the No. 25 pick, package it to move up, or flip it for veteran help once the draft board takes shape.