NBA Draft 2024: Bronny James Surprises With Unprecedented Popularity
Despite being drafted with the 55th overall pick, Bronny James, the son of LeBron James, has become the surprise favorite among bettors to win the Rookie of the Year award.
James’ poor performance in the first few games of the Summer League, scoring 14 points with a 22.5% field goal percentage and 0-15 on triples, has raised eyebrows among critics. However, fans seem to be oblivious to his struggles, placing a massive amount of bets on him to win the prestigious award.
According to ESPN BET, a staggering one in four bets have been placed on James to win Rookie of the Year, with a majority of punters opting for the Lakers’ guard over other top contenders.
This unusual interest has resulted in a call effect among fans, with many willing to bet on James despite his remote possibilities. His odds have dropped significantly, and he is now a clear favorite among bettors.
The NBA betting house, SuperBook, has also seen a significant increase in interest in Bronny James’ special bets, with many transactions being made in live betting. SuperBook’s vice president of risk and chief oddsmaker, Jeff Sherman, said: "Interest in Bronny’s special bets has been solid, overall Summer League betting is increasing."
James’ popularity may be attributed to his famous last name, but it is also a testament to the power of social media and fan obsession. Despite his lack of production on the court, Bronny James has become a hot commodity among NBA fans and bettors.
Here are the current odds for the Rookie of the Year award:
- Zach Edey (Grizzlies): 2.16
- Bronny James (Lakers): 3.25
- Reed Sheppard (Rockets): 3.50
- Alexandre Sarr (Wizards): 4.00
As the betting market continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Bronny James’ popularity is unprecedented, and he will undoubtedly be a topic of conversation throughout the 2024 NBA season.
