The Los Angeles Lakers finally won a game after starting the season 0-5, defeating the Denver Nuggets 121-110 at home on Sunday night.
The Lakers had a rough 21-22 season finishing with a 33-49 record to miss the playoffs, but starting this season with a healthy Lebron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook provided optimism provided optimism for the Lakers fanbase.
With the 0-5 start, much of that initial optimism has disappeared and been replaced by criticism and skepticism that the team can win as currently constructed.
Oddsmakers have also been unimpressed by the start of this Lakers team. Below I will look at the Lakers’ odds for some of the popular futures bets on the 2022-23 NBA season. The odds included should be similar to what LA sports bettors would find at most betting sites serving the California market.
NBA Championship
LA Lakers are 50-1 to Win the NBA Title
The Lakers do not look like a contender, but with Lebron James and Anthony Davis as their core, you still have to think they may only be a couple of sharpshooters away from being a contender.
Russell Westbrook has looked solid coming off the bench in the last two games, and if this team can add a piece and find their rhythm, they do have the star power to be a contender later this year.
Pacific Division
LA Lakers are 40-1 to Win the Pacific Division
I would argue the Lakers are more likely to win the NBA title than to finish atop the Pacific division this season. The Phoenix Suns finished with the best record in the NBA last season at 64-18 and have started 5-1 this year; they look primed to have another solid regular season.
Add in the defending champion Golden State Warriors and the LA Clippers, who are built to contend, and I think it’s huge ask for the Lakers to win this division.
Regular Season Wins
- LA Lakers Over 38.5 wins: +115
- LA Lakers Under 38.5 wins: -145
If you think the Lakers core can stay healthy and find some rhythm later this season, then I think over 38.5 wins are in play.
If a key player is injured, then the under is definitely a possibility.
To Make Playoffs
LA Lakers To Make Playoffs: +150
LA Lakers To Miss Playoffs: -180
Photo: NBA.comTo clarify, these odds consider that the playoffs begin after the play-in tournament. If the Lakers finish in 10th and lose their play-in game, then they would not be considered to have made the playoffs.
I actually like the Lakers to make the playoffs this year, even after the 0-5 start. LeBron James and Anthony Davis cannot afford to miss the post-season again after last year’s awful showing. I think they will figure things out, potentially add a shooter, and have Westbrook come off the bench to provide energy. Even if the Lakers continue to struggle early on, the play-in tournament provides a backdoor method of getting into the playoffs if things click later in the season. The Lakers only missed the play-in by one game last year, and they had a brutal 33-49 record.
The oddsmakers are not impressed with this Lakers team 6 games into the season, and rightfully so. But if you believe this team could turn things around, there could be value in some of these future wagers.
If you’re interested in making any of these LA Lakers futures bets, check out this how-to guide for betting on the NBA in California.
Featured Image: NBA.com
