The Los Angeles Lakers' evening did not end after pick 59 concluded the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft. Shams Charania revealed they had another move up their sleeve that immediately followed the proceedings.
Charania reported on Twitter/X, "Villanova star Eric Dixon has agreed to a two-way NBA contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN. Dixon was the No. 1 scorer in college basketball last season, shooting 41% from 3-point range."
Dixon comes in with a strong build of 6-feet-8-inches and 259 pounds, according to Yahoo Sports. The big man drew two comparisons for NBA Draft expert Kevin O'Connor. One was well-known Boston Celtics' role player Glen Davis. The other was polarizing Lakers draft pick Julius Randle.
Randle-like ceiling would be a dream for Lakers
Randle was selected seventh overall by the Lakers in the 2014 NBA Draft. After four seasons in Los Angeles, and the arrival of LeBron James in free agency, the Lakers decided to let the power forward pursue opportunities elsewhere.
The burly four-man spent one season with the New Orleans Pelicans before really hitting his stride in the NBA with the New York Knicks. Randle blossomed into a multi-time All-Star and All-NBA player as a result.
For a player like Dixon, who did not hear his name called at all on either of the two draft nights, a ceiling anywhere near that would be a massive win for both him and the Lakers. Any shred of that type of potential could give JJ Redick a serious option in the frontcourt rotation.
O'Connor highlighted Dixon's shooting, drive game, and offensive versatility as the main strengths of his game. The concerns come from his defensive versatility, athleticism, and playmaking.
At 24 years old, it is fair to question how much room for growth there is for the undrafted free-agent signing. However, Redick has promised an environment where his players can improve and develop in the past.
If Dixon can erase some of the bigger concerns, like athleticism and defense, around his game at the NBA level, the Lakers could have a spot for him in 2025-26. Summer League should offer the opportunity for him to make a strong impression.
After being bullied by Randle in the 2025 postseason, perhaps the Lakers wanted a player like that in their own locker room once more. Considering Dixon arrives to Los Angeles undrafted, they would happily settle for a Glen Davis as well.