Bronny James Leads Rookie of the Year Bets Across Multiple Sportsbooks

Bronny James has had much more chatter around him than the average 55th overall pick. That should be no surprise as he is the son of future Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer LeBron James. The pair will have the opportunity to make NBA history this season as they will be the first father-son duo to share the court.

While he has had an up-and-down performance in the Las Vegas Summer League, the Los Angeles Lakers rookie has received more bets to win the 2025 Rookie of the Year award than any other player. David Purdum of ESPN reported:

More bets have been placed on Bronny James to win Rookie of the Year (ROY) than any other player at multiple sportsbooks. James has attracted nearly one in four of the bets placed on the ROY market at ESPN BET. BetMGM reported taking a $1,000 ROY bet on James at 250-1 on July 6, from a bettor in Ontario, and DraftKings said that only [Zach] Edey had attracted more money wagered than James in its ROY market.

Four-figure bets on the Rookie of the Year in July are rare, and betting on any award is typically light 10 months before the winner is announced, but bookmakers are noticing an undeniable interest in the son of LeBron James from bettors. The amount wagered on BetMGM’s ROY market is double what it was compared to last year’s market at this time. [h/t ESPN]

Purdum added that the SuperBook in Las Vegas has only allowed Summer League wagers on Bronny. He has averaged 7.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 0.3 assists and 1.0 steals across three games in Las Vegas. The Lakers rookie has shot 30.0% from the field, 12.5% from three-point range and 100.0% from the free-throw line.

His best performance came in last night’s 87-86 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Bronny finished with 12 points, one rebound and one steal while shooting 5-11 from the field and 2-5 from three-point range. Malcolm Brogdon is the only player drafted outside of the first round to win the Rookie of the Year award since Willis Reed in 1965.

Gilbert Arenas defends Bronny James amidst Jaylen Brown criticism

Jul 12, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) looks on in the first half against the Houston Rockets at the Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

Jaylen Brown appeared to criticize Bronny James’ NBA readiness as he watched the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics play in the Summer League on Monday. The 2023-24 NBA Finals MVP seemingly suggested the rookie was not ready to play professionally. Gilbert Arenas defended the son of LeBron James from the criticism.

Speaking on his podcast, Gil’s Arena, the three-time All-Star stated:

Jaylen Brown. You know what they said about him in Summer League? He was the third pick in the NBA Draft. The third pick in the NBA Draft. The first three games – just like Bronny – Bronny was 6-26? Jaylen Brown was 5-26 from the field in his first three games in Summer League. He’s fine. No one bashed him and he was the third pick in the NBA Draft.

While Bronny may not have entered the league with the upside of Brown, Arenas is correct in his assessment that it is far too early to judge the Lakers rookie. Due to his status as LeBron’s son, he has a much bigger spotlight on him than any 55th overall pick in the history of the NBA.

Gilbert Arenas calls out Jaylen Brown

"He [Brown] was the 3rd pick in the NBA Draft. The first 3 games, just like Bronny. Bronny was 6-26, and Jaylen Brown was 5-26 in his first 3 games in summer league."

(🎥 @GilsArenaShow )

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