Lakers select LeBron James' son, Bronny, in NBA Draft
They become the first father-son duo in the NBA at the same time
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}LeBron James' dream has come true.
His Los Angeles Lakers took his son, Bronny, with the 55th pick in the NBA Draft.
They become the first father-son duo to play in the NBA at the same time.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
USC Trojans guard Bronny James warms up as parents LeBron James and Savannah James watch before a game against the Washington State Cougars Jan. 10, 2024, at Galen Center in Los Angeles. (Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
James once said his final year in the NBA would be with his son, so some have assumed in recent years that James would retire after playing with his son for one year.
But last week, their agent, Rich Paul, said the two were not a package deal.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Paul said LeBron was "off" the "idea" of playing alongside his son and was more focused on Bronny's development in the league.
It seemed peculiar, though, that Bronny had invites for workouts with at least 10 teams but only accepted two, from the Lakers and Phoenix Suns.
However, Paul says that was all "by design."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Either way, history will be made when the two share the floor for the first time.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shakes hands with son Bronny James during the second half against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles Nov 19, 2023. (Kiyoshi Mio-USA Today Sports)
PURDUE STAR ZACH EDEY SELECTED NINTH OVERALL IN NBA DRAFT TO GRIZZLIES
Scouts weren't too kind to Bronny, with one saying he was "not an NBA prospect." In his lone season with the USC Trojans, he averaged less than five points per game.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Before his collegiate career began, Bronny went into cardiac arrest in July 2023 while working out at USC. It was later revealed he had a congenital heart defect. He was cleared to return, and The Associated Press recently reported he was medically cleared to play in the NBA.
McDonald's High School All American Bronny James, left, talks with his father, LeBron James, after the 2023 McDonald's High School All American Game at Toyota Center. (Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
James' deadline to opt out of his deal with the Lakers is Friday. He was reportedly expected to opt out of his deal but remain with the team.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Lakers selected Tennessee scorer Dalton Knecht with the No. 17 pick Wednesday night.
Earlier this week, the Lakers introduced James' podcast partner, JJ Redick, as their head coach.
Fox News' Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.