When it comes to important names in the NBA there are few higher on that list than James, and this year the league could be host to another. With Bronny James' declaration to enter the NBA draft following a tumultuous year at USC. Averaging only 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in his freshman year, his numbers hardly suggest he’d be a relevant player in the NBA, but that’s only half the story.
The real wrinkle in this story comes with LeBron James, Bronny’s father, having an opt-out clause in his contract with the LA Lakers for the 24-25 NBA season, effectively making him a free agent this summer. LeBron has been vocal about his desire to be the first father-son duo to play together in the NBA. The allure of recruiting LeBron in free agency makes Bronny a unique prospect in the upcoming draft.
This opens up some interesting betting odds for where Bronny James will be selected in the upcoming draft.
The Lakers are the clear-cut betting favorite to land Bronny James on draft night, though they may have to wait a while before they get their opportunity. The Lakers currently possess one draft pick, the 55th pick. The Lakers will likely receive the 17th pick from the New Orleans Pelicans but at the time of writing the Pelicans still own the pick.
Even without the 17th pick, the Lakers have a decent shot to land Bronny James with their 55th pick. With minimal interest in Bronny James as a prospect alone, many teams will likely select players who have shown more promise in college or overseas. However, this does leave plenty of opportunities for other teams to snatch Bronny before the Lakers.
Philadelphia is one of those teams who may try to lure LeBron away from the Lakers making them a candidate to select Bronny. The 6ers only have a single pick in the draft, but importantly, it’s much higher than the Lakers at 41. At +1400 currently, oddsmakers consider this a long shot, but there is good reason to believe the 6ers may select Bronny. With another disappointing playoff exit, the 6ers are desperately looking for a way to improve the roster.
Fortunately for the 6ers, they have a mountain of cash to spend in the upcoming free agency. Other than the Lakers, the 6ers have one of the most competitive rosters for LeBron to join, with former MVP Joel Embiid, and rising star Tyrese Maxey. Philadelphia is a rare team to have a talented roster and the money to afford LeBron. This could make Bronny an important draw to convince LeBron to sign in Philadelphia.
Cleveland would be the most poetic destination for Bronny to land in the draft, right where his father started. Currently, the Cavaliers only have a single pick at 20. It’s unlikely that Bronny would be selected this high, but we have seen stranger things happen on draft night. Cleveland has one of the most competitive rosters on this list. LeBron would be well-complimented and probably have his best odds of making it back to the finals in Cleveland.
Drafting Bronny would be the leverage they need to make a convincing play for LeBron. At +1400 the likelihood of this happening is probably less than Philadelphia, but can’t be ruled out.
Golden State is a dark horse, but at +2400 odds it’s a high-risk, high reward. With a single pick at 52 in the draft, the Warriors also have an opportunity to select Bronny before the Lakers. Again, this would ultimately be a ploy to recruit LeBron, which might not be as far-fetched as it sounds. With Golden State's elimination in the play-in tournament, they likely know their time of dominance is over, but there may be just enough for one last run.
Steph Curry and LeBron James are participating in the Olympics this year, so a conversation about teaming up could happen. Bronny could be the leverage Golden State needs to convince LeBron to join Curry on the Warriors. It’s a long shot, but shouldn’t be ignored.