Los Angeles Lakers rookie point guard Bronny James, a surprise package despite being drafted 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, is already creating waves in the betting community. According to ESPN’s David Purdum, James has drawn more Rookie of the Year (ROY) bets than any other player across multiple sportsbooks. Nearly one in four bets placed on the ROY market at ESPN BET have been for James. BetMGM reported a significant $1,000 bet on James to win ROY at 250-1 odds from an Ontario bettor on July 6, a bet that could potentially yield a quarter of a million dollars in winnings. This bet, along with DraftKings’ note that only Zach Edey had more money wagered on him in the ROY market, underscores the unexpected rise of James in the betting community.
Edey, selected with the ninth pick, boasts an impressive college basketball resume. Standing at 7-foot-4, Edey is a two-time AP Player of the Year, Wooden and Naismith Award winner, and a dominant force with two Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year titles. His presence on the court, characterized by blocking shots and dunking over opponents, has made him a veritable legend in college basketball.
Contrary to popular belief, James is not the top Lakers draft pick this season (that honor goes to Dalton Knecht, picked 17th), but he makes headlines. His unique journey has captivated bettors, from being an underdog in the Lakers’ draft class to a fascinating candidate in the ROY race. The story shows how unpredictable sports can be, adding an exciting element to the journey and creating opportunities for unlikely winners to come out on top.
Other notable draft picks include Atlanta Hawks’ Zacharie Risache, Washington Wizards’ Bilal Coulibaly, and Houston Rockets’ Reed Sheppard. Sheppard particularly stood out by significantly impacting by averaging 20.0 points, 4.7 assists, and a remarkable number of steals during the Summer League. Risache and Coulibaly also had impressive performances, with Risache showcasing his scoring ability and Coulibaly demonstrating his defensive prowess.
James’s Summer League performance has been mixed, showcasing his potential and areas needing improvement. The Summer League, a platform for rookies to adjust to the NBA’s pace and style of play, is only sometimes indicative of their future performance. While his games have drawn considerable attention, they have also highlighted the need for further development. Despite this, James’s appeal among bettors remains robust, driven by his high-profile status and the possibility of surpassing expectations.
Bronny James’s rookie season is set against high expectations and significant media attention. His transition from being the offspring of LeBron James to establishing his presence in the NBA is marked by great expectations. The attention he garners in the betting markets underscores the intrigue surrounding his career, creating a sense of anticipation for his rookie season. As he navigates his rookie year, all eyes will be on how he handles the pressure and whether he can live up to the hype surrounding him since high school. This media attention excites his rookie season, making it a must-watch for all NBA fans.
James’s unexpected rise in the betting markets highlights the unique blend of potential, familial legacy, and media spotlight that defines his entry into the NBA. With bettors eagerly placing their faith in his abilities, Bronny James’s rookie season promises to be one of the most closely-watched narratives in recent NBA history. This unique blend of factors, including his underdog status in the Lakers’ draft class, his high-profile status as LeBron James’s son, and his potential to surpass expectations, makes his journey captivating, drawing in fans and bettors alike.