NEW YORK — The first round of the NBA draft at Barclays Center yielded a massive surprise with the Lakers taking Tennessee All-American Dalton Knecht with the 17th pick.

One day later, inside a television studio near the East River in New York City, a more predictable addition to the Lakers' roster occurred.

As expected, the team selected Bronny James, son of Lakers star LeBron James, with the No. 55 pick, making the two more than just the first father and son to play in the league together at the same time. The two will also be teammates.

"NBA history could be made," Rob Pelinka said in Los Angeles. "And NBA history should be made in a Lakers uniform."

LeBron James has the ability to opt out of his contract by June 29 and become an unrestricted free agent. The widespread belief among NBA executives is that he will remain with the Lakers, with only the type of contract left to be formalized.

The pick Thursday came after years of speculation about LeBron James lengthening his career long enough to get to play alongside his son.

In the last 12 months, though, that plan moved to the background as the messaging focused more on finding the best situation for Bronny James.

Bronny James, a 6-foot-1 guard, became an All-American himself after his senior year at Sierra Canyon High before committing to USC. But during a preseason training session at Galen Center, James collapsed after a cardiac arrest and subsequently required surgery to treat a congenital heart defect.

He returned to competitive play on Dec. 10 and played 25 games for the Trojans, averaging only 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists.

James entered the draft following the season, cementing himself as a potential second-round pick with his play in the draft combine in Chicago.

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