Lakers-Bulls make NBA Draft trade before second round, with L.A. giving up Bronny James' draft slot

A year ago, the Los Angeles Lakers used the No. 55 overall pick in the NBA Draft to choose Bronny James out of USC and unite him with his father, LeBron, in L.A.

This time around, the Lakers have traded away the 55th pick.

Los Angeles agreed to a deal with the Chicago Bulls on Thursday before the start of the second round to send No. 55 and cash to the Bulls for pick No. 45, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Given the success rate of mid-to-late second-round picks, this deal could wind up meaning nothing.

But the Lakers likely at least have their eyes on a couple possible targets that they feel are more likely to be there at 45 than 55.

The remaining crop of draft prospects is weaker than usual, too.

Many prospects slated for the second round instead stayed in school to earn guaranteed NIL money.

That means that the fall-off from pick-to-pick in this year's second round is even more drastic than usual.

But if the Lakers find a rotation player at the 45th slot, they come out as winners in this small deal.

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