Patrick Everson: The Lakers’ Championship Buzz
Patrick Everson, a seasoned sports betting analyst for FOX Sports, has been closely monitoring the Los Angeles Lakers’ surge in the NBA championship futures market. Every year, the Lakers tend to be a popular bet, and this year is no exception. The presence of LeBron James alone can turn heads, but the recent acquisition of Luka Dončić via trade has only amplified the hype. Caesars Sports, under the leadership of David Lieberman, the head of NBA trading, has seen a significant shift in the Lakers’ championship odds and public betting activity.
From Pretender to Contender
The Lakers began the season with championship odds around +2500, far from the favorites. However, their performance was lackluster, and at one point, Caesars had them at +4000. "They definitely weren’t looking like a title contender," Lieberman admitted. The turnaround came on February 1st, when the Lakers traded Anthony Davis to Dallas for Luka Dončić. This blockbuster deal immediately propelled the Lakers’ odds to +1600. "We knew we were gonna take some bets, so we wanted to get ahead of it," Lieberman explained. The Lakers’ popularity in the Las Vegas market, especially with California bettors, and their national appeal made them an attractive bet.
Well-Timed Hot Streak
Even before Dončić joined the lineup, the Lakers were on a strong run. They were 9-1 leading up to his debut, a 132-113 home win against the Utah Jazz. Since Dončić’s first game, the Lakers have gone 9-2, including an impressive eight-game win streak. Their overall record in the last 21 games is an impressive 18-3. On Thursday night, they secured a thrilling 113-109 overtime victory over the New York Knicks. With LeBron, Dončić, and this hot streak, bettors are flocking to the Lakers. "That’s a recipe for people wanting to put money on the Lakers to win the title," Lieberman noted. Currently, Caesars has the Lakers at +900, the fourth choice in NBA Finals odds, trailing only the Boston Celtics (+190), Oklahoma City Thunder (+205), and Cleveland Cavaliers (+550).
Wrestling with the West
Back on January 19th, the Lakers lost to the Los Angeles Clippers, bringing their record to 22-18, a mark that didn’t suggest championship caliber. Fast forward to March 7th, and the Lakers are 40-21, the second-best record in the Western Conference, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder (51-11). Lieberman acknowledges that the Lakers have transformed into a legitimate championship contender but emphasizes the daunting task of navigating the Western Conference playoffs. "I think it’s realistic," he said. "Luka beat the Thunder last year with a good-but-not-great Dallas team. Now, with LeBron James, Luka could get another crack at the Thunder." The Thunder are the -175 favorites to win the West, followed by the Lakers (+375), Nuggets (+650), and Warriors (+650).
Tricky Title
If the Lakers can overcome the gauntlet in the West, they will likely face the defending champion Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. "The NBA Finals are a little trickier," Lieberman said. "I think if Boston is healthy, I can’t see anyone beating them. But it would be a great series. The Lakers could beat the Celtics, but it’d be a more difficult matchup." However, the Cleveland Cavaliers, currently boasting the best record in the league at 52-10, could also represent the East in the NBA Finals. "If the Cavs get out of the East, it opens it up for the Lakers. The Cavaliers’ ceiling is not quite as high as a fully healthy Boston team," Lieberman added.
The Lakers’ Persistent Appeal
Regardless of the challenges ahead, one certainty remains: the Lakers will continue to attract significant betting action. "The Lakers have been the most-bet team all year, and even more so since the trade," Lieberman stated. The combination of LeBron James and Luka Dončić, along with the Lakers’ storied history and national fan base, makes them a perennial favorite among bettors. As the regular season winds down, the Lakers’ journey to the NBA championship is far from over, but the betting public believes they have what it takes to make a deep playoff run.
