The move comes at an unusual time. Ujiri just took part in the 2025 NBA Draft with the Raptors, and was entering the final year of his contract. Ujiri could have hypothetically finished out his contract with the team and left in the offseason. It's unclear why both sides felt it was necessary to move on at this time.

LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves could use some extra support in the scoring column. All three players averaged over 20 points per game last season, but only one other player who finished the season on the roster had a scoring average in double figures.

The news on Thursday is that the Lakers are trading up in the second round of the NBA Draft from No. 55 — their only pick in either round — to No. 45, a story broken by Shams Charania of The Athletic. The Lakers are sending the No. 55 pick and cash to the Chicago Bulls for the No. 45 pick.