The Los Angeles Lakers are approaching the 2025 NBA Draft with a different vibe than last year’s high-profile spectacle.
In 2024, the selection of Bronny James at No. 55 grabbed headlines, even as first-round pick Dalton Knecht proved to be one of the steals of the draft at No. 17.
This time around, the Lakers are working with limited draft capital, holding only the No. 55 pick.
With the team in win-now mode, led by LeBron James and Luka Dončić, the focus is on complementing their star-heavy roster rather than chasing flashy names.
Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz summed it up best:
"Remember the Los Angeles Lakers' 2024 draft? Yeah, this one won't be like that. Bronny James dominated the Lakers' draft chatter a year ago, even though Dalton Knecht ended up being the more impactful rookie after being selected No. 17 overall. This year, Los Angeles' first-rounder is headed to the Atlanta Hawks via Anthony Davis and Dejounte Murray trades, leaving the Lakers with just the No. 55 overall pick in the draft."
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"L.A. obviously needs a center, a spot it won't fill starting this late in the second round, though," Swartz continued.
"This could be an insurance pick, like Kentucky's Amari Williams who could play minutes behind whoever the Lakers end up trading for this summer. L.A. fans should enjoy a drama-free draft, at least until next offseason when Bryce James can declare."
The Lakers’ roster needs are clear, particularly at center, where they’ve been seeking a reliable presence since a botched trade for Charlotte Hornets' Mark Williams from Charlotte.
The No. 55 pick isn’t likely to yield a starter, but it offers a chance to add a developmental player who can contribute down the line. That's where Amari Williams, a 7-foot center from Kentucky, could be the perfect low-key addition."
"Williams, a Nottingham, England native, transferred to Kentucky for his fifth-year season after a standout career at Drexel, where he earned three Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year awards. At Kentucky, he averaged 10.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, shooting 56.1 percent from the field."
"His rare combination of size, agility, and playmaking—evidenced by 115 assists, a record for a 7-footer at Kentucky—makes him an intriguing fit for the Lakers.
The Lakers’ 2025 draft may lack the buzz of 2024, but selecting Williams at No. 55 could be a savvy move.
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