Betting Frenzy Surrounds LeBron’s Son Despite Long Odds
Unprecedented Betting Activity
LeBron James’ son, Bronny James, has become the focus of an extraordinary betting surge. Despite the daunting 250-1 odds, a passionate fan has even wagered $1,000 on him. This betting frenzy is happening in a year when the 2024 NBA Draft class is widely regarded by experts as one of the weakest in recent seasons.
Media Spotlight
Bronny James, who was the 55th pick in the draft, has captured the media’s attention, overshadowing the top three picks: Zaccharie Risacher (Hawks), Alex Sarr (Washington Wizards), and Reed Sheppard (Houston Rockets). This attention persists despite his underwhelming performance in the Summer League, where he scored a total of 14 points on 22.5% shooting from the field and 0/15 from three-point range in his first four games. He showed slight improvement in his fifth game, scoring 12 points with 5/11 shooting from the field and 2/5 from three-point range.
Rookie of the Year Betting Odds
Surprisingly, Bronny has become the most bet-on player for the Rookie of the Year title at various betting sites, as reported by ESPN. This favoritism defies logic, considering his slim chances of even making the Lakers’ main roster. The betting odds have shifted since the Summer League began, with Zach Edey, a 7’1″ center picked 9th by the Grizzlies, emerging as the consensus favorite.
Popular Choice Among Bettors
Despite the odds, Bronny remains the most popular choice among bettors. BetMGM reported that on July 6th, a bettor from Ontario placed a $1,000 bet on Bronny at 250-1 odds. DraftKings also noted that only Zach Edey had attracted more money in this betting category. Betting sites acknowledge that such significant bets on Rookie of the Year in July are rare, especially 10 months before the winner is announced. However, the interest in Bronny James has led to a doubling of the amount of money placed in this market on BetMGM compared to the same time last year.
Conclusion
Bronny James has become an unexpected focal point in the 2024 NBA Draft betting scene, attracting a large number of bets despite his performance and long odds. This phenomenon highlights the influence of his famous last name and the strong public interest in his potential, irrespective of the realistic chances of him winning the Rookie of the Year title.