The Los Angeles Lakers made significant moves during and after the NBA Draft, demonstrating a proactive approach to roster building. Despite not holding a first-round pick, the Lakers actively participated in the second round, trading up twice. They initially moved from pick 55 to 45 with the Chicago Bulls, and then further traded up with the Minnesota Timberwolves to secure the 36th overall pick. With this pick, the Lakers selected Adou Thiero from Arkansas, adding a promising talent to their developing roster.

Following the conclusion of the draft, the Lakers swiftly turned their attention to the undrafted market, where they secured a notable signing in Villanova star Eric Dixon. Dixon has agreed to a two-way NBA contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that is considered a significant acquisition given his collegiate performance. He was widely regarded as the most prolific scorer in college basketball last season, averaging an impressive 23.3 points per game and demonstrating strong shooting capabilities with 41% from three-point range.

Despite his scoring prowess, Dixon went undrafted, primarily due to concerns surrounding his defensive capabilities and his age, being 24 years old and one of the older players in college basketball. However, his exceptional three-point shooting is a clear asset that the Lakers, who are always in need of offensive firepower, found attractive. The team's coaching staff, led by JJ Redick, has previously shown a strong emphasis on defensive reliability, as evidenced by his decision to bench Dalton Knecht through the playoffs when defensive trust was an issue. This indicates that Dixon will need to prove his defensive chops to earn a consistent spot.

Eric Dixon is expected to begin his journey with the South Bay Lakers in the Summer League, where he will have the opportunity to showcase his skills and adapt to the professional game. His ultimate goal will be to earn a permanent spot on the main Los Angeles Lakers roster as the 2025-26 NBA season commences. With his scoring ability and a clear determination to make an impact, Dixon is poised to seize this opportunity.