ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported on Thursday morning that the Los Angeles Lakers sent the No. 55 pick and cash to the Bulls in exchange for the No. 45 pick. The front office is eyeing a player it wants to snag off the board earlier than 55, and it could be center Vladislav Goldin.
The 24-year-old spent the 2024-25 season with the Wolverines, averaging a career-high 16.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 1.1 assists per game, shooting 60.7% from the field and 73.1% from the free-throw line. Goldin was named first-team All-Big Ten by the media and second team by the coaches, won Big Ten Tournament Most Outstanding Player, and was a finalist for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award.
Not only do the Lakers need to add to their frontcourt, but Goldin and Rob Pelinka share a Michigan connection, which could play in the center's favor tonight.
Lakers acquire No. 45 draft pick from the Bulls, could go after Vlad Goldin
The center is seven feet tall with a 7'5.25" wingspan and a 9'3" standing reach, so he has the build to go toe-to-toe with other NBA bigs. He's a good rim protector who can score down low at will, but he is slow and struggles to defend outside the paint.
Goldin turned 24 in May, so he's older than most other draft picks, which is why he's a second-round prospect. Still, his force and physicality could be enough for the Lakers to select him at No. 45, giving them a center who is more ready to make an impact at the next level after spending five seasons playing in college.
Los Angeles needs to add a starting-caliber center via trade or free agency, with a few more potential options popping up after the first round of the draft. The Lakers want to make a championship run next season with LeBron James and Luka Doncic in what could be the former's final season in the NBA, although it seems likely he'll hang around a little longer. There is added pressure on LA's shoulders to nail the offseason, beginning with the No. 45 pick after the team didn't have a first-round selection.
Will Goldin hear his name called on Thursday to join the Lakers? Or will it be another center? Fans don't have to wait long to find out.