Bronny James draft odds: Which NBA team will snatch him?

With one of the weakest drafts in modern NBA history just days away and uncertainty at the top of the board, a projected second-round pick is stealing the headlines. When that prospect is Bronny James, the son of one of the greatest basketball players of all time, it's easy to see why he's the most discussed commodity leading up to the 2024 NBA Draft.

The hype surrounding James - fueled by his father LeBron James' accomplishments and comments - puts added pressure on an unknown prospect.

While Bronny would go undrafted if he weren't LeBron's son, he's still a prospect worth evaluating.

It's hard to evaluate James based on his college career. He suffered a cardiac arrest during a summer workout leading up to his freshman season at USC, missed the season's first eight games, and never found his groove in Southern California. He averaged 4.8 points per game in 19 minutes on 26% shooting from three.

Some scouts reportedly believe USC misused James by playing him off the ball more than at point guard, even though the latter role fits his skill set better as a high-IQ ball-handler who, like his father, is a pass-first player.

At 6-foot-2, James is an undersized guard and unreliable shooter. That's a combo that rarely succeeds in the NBA. James is a project. Whether he lasts in the NBA won't be determined for years, but he won't be an immediate-impact rookie at 19 years old.

Team to select Bronny James in the draft odds

Odds via theScore Bet

The Lakers - LeBron's current team - are unsurprisingly the favorites to select Bronny. They own the 17th and 55th picks.

If James is available at 55, it's a no-brainer for the Lakers to draft him and keep their superstar happy by fulfilling his dream. LeBron can opt out of his contract by June 29, but he's expected to remain with the Lakers next season regardless of his opt-out decision. Los Angeles drafting Bronny would likely secure a commitment from LeBron.

The Suns have the second-best odds because they've been publicly linked to Bronny over the last few weeks. He's only worked out for the Lakers and Suns. James' agent Rich Paul hasn't been shy about guiding him to the right organization.

Phoenix has the 22nd pick. James is a second-round talent at best. He's +600 to be drafted in the first round and -1600 (94% implied probability) to be drafted in the second round. No credible mock drafts have him selected on the first day.

Although the elder James previously said it was his dream to play with his son, Paul said this week that drafting Bronny doesn't provide any assurances with LeBron.

However, using a second-round pick on Bronny is a low-risk move with potentially big upside. Paul specifically mentioned the Timberwolves, Mavericks, and Raptors as other potential suitors, which explains why those franchises jumped near the top of the oddsboard this week.

The 19-year-old's over/under draft position is 42.5, which would place James as a mid-second-rounder. ESPN's and The Ringer's latest mock drafts have the Lakers snatching him with the No. 55 pick.

The Sixers are an interesting team to watch. They own the 16th and 41st picks. Philadelphia has a contending roster and the necessary cap space to sign LeBron. Daryl Morey will pursue the four-time champion if he hits free agency.

LeBron is unlikely to leave Los Angeles for Philadelphia, but the addition of Bronny would make the Sixers a more enticing destination.

James will likely play in the G League a ton in his first season. It's rare to use a high pick on someone who'll play at the developmental level, but James' impact on a franchise goes beyond basketball. As LeBron's kid, he'll help with ticket sales and merchandise. And if it potentially lures LeBron, that's a plus.

Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.