The 2025 NBA draft lottery on Monday was a total shocker. Coming in, the Utah Jazz had the highest odds of winning the lottery, followed by the Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans.
But none of those teams would receive even a top-three pick.
Instead, the Dallas Mavericks, who sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in early February, won the No. 1 pick and the right to take Duke University freshman phenom Cooper Flagg. The San Antonio Spurs, who already have Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox and Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, got the No. 2 pick, and the Philadelphia 76ers, who have former league MVP Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, will pick third.
LeBron James couldn’t contain his emotions on X.
James, of course, was the No. 1 pick in the 2003 draft by his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers after growing up in nearby Akron, Ohio.
There have always been conspiracy theories surrounding the draft lottery, and Monday’s results have already stoked that fire once again.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: LeBron James’ reaction to stunning NBA draft lottery results
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
