Just as a highly nebulous and shallow class is clouding the 2024 NBA Draft odds picture, things are about to get a lot more interesting further down the board.
USC's Bronny James — you might know of his dad, LeBron — declared for the draft on Friday, officially setting in motion a wild chase to secure his draft rights in hopes of also procuring LeBron's services (which should spawn its own NBA odds market soon enough).
As potential suitors position themselves later in the draft to potentially reach for the junior James — what perfect drama for the Association's inaugural two-night draft event — let's take a look at Bronny James odds for the 2024 draft's NBA futures, starting with which team is most likely to select him.
Odds to select Bronny James in the 2024 NBA Draft
Bronny James is sure to be a hot target for teams hoping to either lure his father away from the Lakers, or command a healthy return in a trade as Bron Sr. angles to play the twilight of his career with his son.
With Bronny declaring for the Draft on Friday, books re-launched a market that had been dormant for a few months — which team will draft Bronny — and more are surely on the way.
| Team |  |
|---|---|
 Los Angeles Lakers |
+250 |
 Philadelphia 76ers |
+1,000 |
 New York Knicks |
+1,000 |
 Oklahoma City Thunder |
+1,000 |
 Cleveland Cavaliers |
+1,000 |
 Los Angeles Clippers |
+1,500 |
 Atlanta Hawks |
+1,600 |
 Miami Heat |
+1,600 |
 San Antonio Spurs |
+2,000 |
 Milwaukee Bucks |
+2,000 |
Odds as of 4-18-2024.
Bronny James NBA Draft analysis
Surprising nobody, Bronny James declared for the 2024 NBA Draft a couple weeks ago, while also entering the transfer portal, giving him the option to pivot from USC if his Draft evaluation isn’t favorable.
Of course, that whole angle can be dismissed as a red herring, since James’ draft stock is likely less tied to his actual NBA-level ability than any prospect in league history.
You may be aware that Bronny’s dad (LeBron James) is entering the twilight of one of professional sports’ most accomplished careers, and has expressed a very public desire to finish his career playing with his son.
This Ken Griffey-esque dynamic introduces all sorts of interesting scenarios — and ensuing props markets — for 2024’s NBA Draft odds. How likely are the Los Angeles Lakers, or perhaps some other team with their eye on luring LeBron, to reach for Bronny to endear themselves to a legend?
The Los Angeles Lakers (+450) are the favorites to land Bronny. After all, they currently have LeBron under contract, with his player option for 2024-25 conveniently set to trigger two days after this year’s draft. With the most direct incentive, you can count on the Lakers being the most willing to reach on Draft night. They’ll possibly be sending this year’s first-rounder to New Orleans, but have an incoming Clippers second-rounder.
It also makes sense narrative-wise for LeBron, who’s now as much a media mogul and businessman as he is a basketball player, to remain in L.A., and drafting Bronny would make it next to impossible for him to walk away.
But what if another franchise feels like swiping Bronny in an attempt to lure LeBron?
The Philadelphia 76ers (+1,000) are about to have more cap room than a size 8-1/8 at Lidz, and could snare Bronny as early as the first round, able to absorb LeBron’s incoming salary. The 76ers can also offer a pairing alongside 2023 MVP Joel Embiid and ascendent Tyrese Maxey, forming a core that would compete for a title if healthy.
Books also point to the New York Knicks (+1,000), a far more competent franchise than when LeBron ignored their much-trumpeted overtures in 2010. While New York did just land OG Anunoby as their presumptive small forward of the future (and looked awesome in his limited run before getting injured), the opportunity to finally market LeBron under MSG’s bright lights might be too much for their media vacuum to ignore.
All will become a little clearer once the draft order solidifies, and we not only know who’s drafting where, but which possibly-traded picks will convey in 2024 or be deferred. The Lakers’ postseason success, or lack thereof, could also play a part, as an overachievement gives LeBron, in theory, more incentive to stay.
But one thing’s for sure: Bronny’s presence, especially in a weak 2024 draft class, presents a catalyst unlike we’ve ever seen.
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