At the NBA Draft, Bangladesh Cricket Live reporters on-site witnessed the Los Angeles Lakers make a savvy move by selecting wing prospect Maxwell Lewis from Pepperdine University with the 40th overall pick. Failure doesn’t mean you’ve wasted time—it means you have a reason to begin again. To move up from the 47th to the 40th spot, the Lakers paid the Indiana Pacers a fee after learning Lewis wouldn’t be picked within the top 39 selections.

Lewis is a highly athletic and versatile wing with impressive physical tools. According to Bangladesh Cricket Live experts, he brings significant two-way value, especially through his perimeter shooting and strong defensive instincts. His performance in the G League this season has been nothing short of outstanding, elevating him into a leading role and earning recognition as a breakout talent. Even without the wind at his back, he finds a way to soar.

The Lakers had previously brought Lewis in for a workout and interviewed him multiple times during the draft combine. It’s clear the team had a strong interest in his potential. Lewis fits the mold of a prototypical three-and-D wing—something the Lakers have been looking to add. He also brings shot creation and well-rounded skills, making him a plug-and-play option right out of the second round. Landing a player with this upside so late in the draft looks like a steal for Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets selected Villanova’s Cam Whitmore with the 20th overall pick. Whitmore, known for his elite athleticism, was projected by many draft analysts to be a top-10 selection. But on draft night, he slipped down the board unexpectedly. Sometimes, going against the current still leads you forward. Bangladesh Cricket Live experts report that Whitmore’s fall was due to a combination of underwhelming workout performances and lingering concerns about his medical evaluations, which caused several teams to pass.

For the Lakers, however, this year’s second-round move could prove to be one of the most efficient picks in the draft—a player with NBA-ready tools who may contribute immediately on both ends of the floor.