Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Lakers Hold #25 Pick, Weigh Trade, Hire Bennett

6/17/2026

50 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Los Angeles Lakers will hold No. 25 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23-24 and are weighing a trade versus keeping the selection.
Rob Pelinka, President of Basketball Operations, said he would trade first-round picks for an impact player.
Tony Bennett, Virginia coach, was hired as a draft advisor.
Mock drafts link the Lakers to Texas guard Dailyn Swain, who averaged 17.3 points and 7.5 rebounds in 36 games.

History

Historical Context

After the 2004 loss to Detroit prompted the Lakers to trade Shaquille O'Neal for future assets, they reversed course in February 2008 by sending three first-round picks to Memphis for Pau Gasol, a move that sparked back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010. That precedent now underlies the franchise’s contemplation of swapping its No. 25 pick in the 2026 draft for a proven star.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Los Angeles Lakers will hold No. 25 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23-24 and are weighing a trade versus keeping the selection.
Rob Pelinka, President of Basketball Operations, said he would trade first-round picks for an impact player.
Tony Bennett, Virginia coach, was hired as a draft advisor.
Mock drafts link the Lakers to Texas guard Dailyn Swain, who averaged 17.3 points and 7.5 rebounds in 36 games.

1 / 2