Lakers' Ball early favorite to snag NBA Rookie of the Year honors
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images
LaVar Ball isn't the only one ecstatic over Lonzo Ball being selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with their second overall pick.
Las Vegas oddsmakers certainly like the fact that Ball is with his hometown team, as the 19-year-old is now the early favorite to win NBA Rookie of the Year for the 2017-18 season following Thursday's draft.
| Team | Player | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Lakers | Lonzo Ball | 5-2 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | Ben Simmons | 3-1 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | Markelle Fultz | 5-1 |
| Sacramento Kings | De'Aaron Fox | 7-1 |
| Phoenix Suns | Josh Jackson | 9-1 |
| Boston Celtics | Jayson Tatum | 9-1 |
| Orlando Magic | Jonathan Isaac | 16-1 |
| Charlotte Hornets | Malik Monk | 16-1 |
| Dallas Mavericks | Dennis Smith | 16-1 |
| Atlanta Hawks | John Collins | 20-1 |
| Sacramento Kings | Justin Jackson | 22-1 |
| Chicago Bulls | Lauri Markkanen | 22-1 |
(courtesy: Bovada, Adam Zagoria)
Related - Watch: LaVar Ball says Lonzo will take Lakers to playoffs next season
Right behind Ball are Ben Simmons - who missed the entire 2016-17 season due to injury, thus making him eligible for the award - and fellow No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz of the Philadelphia 76ers.