He's being called the most exciting sports prodigy since LeBron James. That's high praise for a local 16 year old who's now on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

Las Vegas High infielder Bryce Harper made it into the kids edition of the magazine as part of its 20 Kids Under 20 to Watch. Now, he's in the big leagues.

Harper is photographed swinging the bat with the caption "Baseball's Chosen One."

Harper is just finishing his sophomore year. He's the first high school athlete to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated since Brian Brohm back in 2002.

The issue is available now.