LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers, with a glaring hole at center, have taken a strategic step in Thursday night’s NBA Draft. By using financial leverage, they moved up to the 45th overall pick, aiming to secure a needed big man. The Lakers’ main target? Ryan Kalkbrenner, a 7-foot-1 senior from Creighton.
Lakers Need To Flex Financial Muscle To Draft 7’1″ Target, Ryan Kalkbrenner
Moving Up With Purpose
Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reported that the Lakers “moved up to the 45th pick and sent their 55th pick and cash to the Chicago Bulls.” Turner added that “the cost of the pick was about $2.5 million.” That sum aligns with the going rate for a second-rounder. It aligns with the Lakers’ urgent need to land an immediate contributor—particularly at center.
According to Turner, “people around the league said the Lakers are trying to put themselves in position to draft center Ryan Kalkbrenner out of Creighton University.”
That contributor could very well be Kalkbrenner. He is older than most draft prospects at 23, but experience brings value. He averaged 19.4 points and 9.0 rebounds last season and shot 66.3% from the field. He even added a 34% clip from three-point range, hinting at modern NBA versatility.
A Clear Need at Center
The Lakers’ front office understands their most pressing need: a true big man. The Lakers need a rim-protecting and rim-running big to play alongside Luka Dončić. Jaxson Hayes was solid during the regular season but felt out of the rotation by the time the postseason rolled around.
That’s where the Lakers’ Ryan Kalkbrenner dream comes into focus. While he may lack the upside of a 19-year-old prospect, Kalkbrenner offers plug-and-play potential. His size, shooting touch, and defensive instincts make him a compelling second-round pick.
The Second-Round Market Is Wide Open
The second round provides unusual flexibility. First-round picks often cost future assets or players. In contrast, second-rounders can be purchased outright. That allows wealthier franchises to swing harder if they spot a gem.
The Lakers did exactly that by spending $2.5 million to move from No. 55 to 45. They could do it again.
The Charlotte Hornets, for instance, own both the 33rd and 34th picks. While they need a center after sending Mark Williams to Phoenix, they’ve already drafted two wings—Kon Knueppel and Liam McNeeley. Do they really want to add another rookie big? If not, they could flip one of those picks for more cash, and the Lakers’ Ryan Kalkbrenner plan for could stay alive.
Maxime Raynaud, Johni Broome, and Rocco Zikarsky also hover around that range. But Kalkbrenner stands out as a polished two-way center who can contribute on day one.
Draft Scenarios Still Fluid
Nothing is certain until the draft unfolds. Jonathan Givony wrote on ESPN that the Lakers “could draft Alex Toohey,” a versatile Australian forward. Toohey offers basketball IQ and motor, but Givony warns that “he’ll need to become a more consistently aggressive and impactful offensive threat.”
However, Boston may be eyeing Kalkbrenner as well. The Celtics, having traded Kristaps Porziņģis to Atlanta, now carry a frontcourt gap. They want to re-sign Luke Kornet and Al Horford, but age and durability remain concerns. If Boston grabs Kalkbrenner, the Lakers may have no choice but to pivot to another center.
Time for Ownership to Step Up
This draft could be a positive footnote for the Lakers’ new ownership group, led by Mark Walter. Financial muscle, long an underused weapon for the team, could make the difference in landing a valuable rotational player.
Second-round picks don’t often generate headlines. But for a team with championship ambitions and tight margins, they can make all the difference.
It’s time for the Lakers to act boldly. Use the wallet, secure the pick, and make the Ryan Kalkbrenner connection a reality.
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