Never before in NBA history has a father and son played on the same team at the same time, but if the latest odds are any indication, there's a strong possibility that LeBron James and Bronny James will be the first.
The Los Angeles Lakers currently possess the best overall odds at -145 to select Bronny in the 2024 draft, followed by the Phoenix Suns at +650.
Here's a look at the odds of where Bronny may find himself going on Draft night on either June 26 (first round) or June 27 (second round).
What Team will select bronny james in the 2024 nBA draft?
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles Lakers | -145 |
| Phoenix Suns | +650 |
| Dallas Mavericks | +750 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | +1100 |
| Toronto Raptors | +1100 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | +3000 |
| New York Knicks | +3000 |
| Utah Jazz | +3000 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | +4000 |
| Chicago Bulls | +4800 |
| Golden State Warriors | +4800 |
| Los Angeles Clippers | +4800 |
Odds as of June 26, 2024
Why the Los Angeles Lakers make sense (-145)
It's no secret that LeBron has every desire to suit up alongside his oldest son before his GOAT-like playing career comes to an end. LeBron also has a ton of leverage right now with the Lakers organization, especially as it pertains to his own future as he owns a player option for the 2024-25 season which he's more than likely going to opt out of to become an unrestricted free agent before inking a brand-new contact.
Brian Windhorst on Bronny James being medically cleared for the NBA: "Over the last few months, Rich Paul, who's the agent for LeBron and Bronny James has made an effort to part the concept that drafting Bronny James means you're getting LeBron. I do believe LeBron's going to opt… pic.twitter.com/Dk8PHIfJT4
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 13, 2024
The Lakers currently own the No. 17 and No. 55 picks in this year's draft. The latter could certainly be used to select Bronny, as he's projected to be a late second-round pick anyway unless a team takes a flier on him much earlier because of his name recognition and/or to potentially lure his dad away from Hollywood, although that's highly unlikely.
In an ideal world, Bronny would return to college to build his stock and refine his game at such a young age, but there appears to be some added pressure for him to enter the draft pool now with his old man's time in the Association winding down and the potential to be a teammate of his being as great as it is.
It's not the be-all, end-all of LeBron's decision whether or not to remain a Laker, but picking Bronny certainly couldn't hurt.
Why Do The Phoenix Suns Have Great Odds To Draft Bronny James?
The Suns reportedly brought Bronny in for a second pre-draft workout, making them one of only two teams (Lakers) to even see him prior to June 26.
It was previously noted that Phoenix's interest in Bronny is genuine and not a plan to lure LeBron to the franchise.
Phoenix owns the 22nd pick in the first round, and may look to move down to accommodate selecting Bronny if need be.
Why Draft Bronny James At All?
Something oddsmakers haven't indicated as of yet is the chance that none of the league's 30 teams select Bronny.
He played limited minutes in his one year with the USC Trojans, averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 19.3 minutes across 25 total appearances, although he did miss a big chunk of the season following cardiac arrest due to a congenital heart defect.
His long-term health is far more important than where he may or may not end up playing, but the good thing is that doctors from the NBA's Fitness to Play Panel did clear him to be drafted.
Bronny also had an above-average showing at the Combine, as well, impressing scouts in the 3-point shooting drill by making 19 of his 25 shot attempts and finishing fourth for the highest max vertical leap at 40.5 inches.
Bronny James just crushed the 3-point star shooting drill at the NBA draft combine. 19/25, good for second place. pic.twitter.com/50UVXXy3GY
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 14, 2024
Standing at 6-foot-1.5 without shoes with a wingspan of 6-foot-7.25 while weighing 210.4 pounds, Bronny's size and stature won't wow suitors out of the gate. He's still extremely athletic, and there's a cloud of mystery as to what he could become five to 10 years down the road, especially if he ends up in the right situation.
Considering this class has been touted as one of the weakest in recent memory, there's really no harm in giving someone like Bronny an opportunity with a late pick to see what manifests.
