Los Angeles Lakers Favored to Select Bronny James, Son of LeBron, In 2024 NBA Draft

LeBron James has always spoken openly about playing an NBA season with his oldest son, Bronny James.

It is therefore of little surprise to see the Los Angeles Lakers listed as the favorites to draft Bronny James in 2024.

The Lakers have +500 odds, according to FanDuel, which are much better than any other team listed. Bronny is currently in his first season at USC and will need to excel in order to make the jump to the NBA next year.

The bet is void if Bronny doesn’t declare for the 2024 draft or isn’t selected.

If he does declare and gets chosen, rest assured LeBron James will be campaigning for his current team to add his son. LeBron has even said in the past he would join whichever team Bronny is on for his last NBA season, but later walked back that remark.

It’s unclear when the 39-year-old LeBron will be done playing, but chances are he will still be in a Lakers uniform for the 2024-25 season, as he has a player option and there haven’t been any whispers of him leaving.

Bronny was a McDonald’s All-American, and while he is not seen on the same level as his dad, the combo guard could be a mid-to-late first round pick when he declares. The Lakers are the favorites to draft Bronny James, while two of LeBron’s former teams are also in the top-4.

Here is a look at the four favorites to draft Bronny James in 2024, courtesy of FanDuel on December 19th, 2023:

• Los Angeles Lakers +500
• Cleveland Cavaliers +1100
• New York Knicks +1100
• Miami Heat +1400

Bronny James had a scary incident in July when he collapsed on the USC court and went into cardiac arrest due to a heart defect. But he has since returned to action and is currently suiting up for the Trojans.

LeBron would love for them to play together at the highest level, evoking the same scenario which Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. enjoyed with the Seattle Mariners.

There is a similar familial connection currently in the NBA, as Giannis Antetokounmpo is currently playing on the Milwaukee Bucks alongside his older brother, Thanasis.

It remains to be seen if Bronny James declares for the 2024 draft, but if he does, the Los Angeles Lakers are the favorites to select him and pair him with LeBron as a father-son duo on the court at the Staples Center.