2024 NBA Draft Odds: Bronny James the Most Bet Player to Go No. 1 Overall
2024 NBA Draft Odds: Bronny James the Most Bet Player to Go No. 1 Overall
The 2024 NBA Draft is still over a month away, but the hype is already building after last week's NBA Draft lottery. The order is set, with the Atlanta Hawks getting a lucky bid to the first spot, stealing it away from the Detroit Pistons and others. In a year without a true superstar, what will they do with that top pick?
BetMGM has reported that Bronny James has the most bets on him to be the first overall pick, but at extremely long shot odds of +20000. It would be an unprecedented decision to take a player with an expected draft position of 39.5 with the top pick, after a limited and underwhelming lone season of college basketball. But the decision isn't just about Bronny, because bettors are taking the chance that a team will want the LeBron James package deal to come with him.
Bronny averaged just 4.8 points per game in under 20 minutes of average action for the USC Trojans last season. He missed part of the year while recovering from cardiac arrest, and never truly found his footing with a squad who struggled throughout the year. He entered the transfer portal and the NBA Draft at the same time, and would explore other schools if he decided not to stay in the draft.
Is there a chance that Bronny James could go first overall? It's extremely unlikely, but it technically still exits. Let's explore the latest odds for Bronny James' next team as the 2024 NBA Draft looms just a month away.
2024 NBA Draft Odds
| Team to Select Bronny James | Odds |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles Lakers | +160 |
| Utah Jazz | +1000 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | +1500 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | +1800 |
| New York Knicks | +1800 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | +2000 |
| Miami Heat | +2000 |
The Los Angeles Lakers are the obvious favorite on this list, and lead the pack at +160 odds. No other team is currently close, and that's because Bronny's father is still employed by the Lakers, at least for another month.
The Lakers have a first round selection at 17th overall, but may have to give that to the New Orleans Pelicans. They also have a pick at 55th, one of the final selections in the draft. LA will certainly consider drafting the younger James to try and keep LeBron with them.
LeBron James has a contract opt-out decision that he must make by June 29, just a few days after the draft. He can opt-in to his $51.4 million player option for 2024-25, or opt-out and become a free agent again to explore the market. He is expected to do the latter, but all signs reportedly point to him staying with the Lakers on a new deal.
James will turn 40 later this year, and is already the oldest active player in the NBA. He has been vocal about playing with his son for at least one season before he retires, and now may have a chance to do so if the Lakers grab him.
NBA Draft Odds
Peter is a sports writer focused on coverage and analysis of college football and basketball, as well as the NFL and other major sports. A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, he has been writing sports articles for over 8 years.
After working for ClutchPoints, Peter joined OddsChecker in 2023. He is a New York sports superfan and is fluent in the sports betting industry.