Why should you bet on the Lakers to win the West?
The 2024-25 NBA odds suggest placing a wager on the Lakers to clinch the Western Conference title, especially after the Dallas Mavericks made headlines by trading Luka Dončić — arguably the league’s most dominant player over the past three years — to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future first-round pick.
This trade marks a pivotal moment for both franchises, but the immediate focus lies on the Lakers’ potential for success this season.
The question arises: Can two ball-dominant players, Luka and LeBron, coexist on the same team?
The answer is a resounding yes.
While challenges are inevitable, as they are with any star pairing in basketball history, the synergy between these two talents could be so effective that it warrants a bet on the Lakers to emerge victorious in the West.
As of now, the Lakers stand at +900 odds to reach the NBA Finals, trailing behind the Oklahoma City Thunder at -105 and the Denver Nuggets at +550.
Oklahoma City has displayed impressive statistics, ranking fifth in offensive efficiency and first in defensive metrics. Their roster, featuring 11 capable players, is designed for a strong regular season and a deep playoff run after last year’s early exit despite holding home-court advantage.
However, it’s essential to remember that they fell short against Luka Dončić in the playoffs.
For those who may have missed the series, here’s a brief recap: The Mavericks dropped Game 1, but Dončić rebounded with a stellar performance of 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists in Game 2. After losing Game 4, he delivered a remarkable 31-point, 11-rebound, and 10-assist performance in Game 5 on the road.
Simply put, the Thunder struggled to contain him. Not Lu Dort, not Alex Caruso, and certainly not Jalen Williams could effectively guard him.
While the Lakers may be viewed as underdogs, and with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander potentially in the MVP conversation, the two most impactful players on the court will likely be LeBron James and Dončić.
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets, led by the formidable Nikola Jokić, have found their rhythm after a slow start. Jokić’s ability to dominate is evident, as he proved to be a challenge for Anthony Davis.
Last season, Jokić averaged 28 points, 16 rebounds, and 9 assists in the 4-1 series victory over the Lakers, shooting an impressive 59% from the field.
He continued his strong performance in the second round, averaging 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists against Rudy Gobert, despite the Nuggets ultimately losing.
The reality is that no one effectively stops Jokić. Even in a Game 7 at home, where he put up 24 points, 19 rebounds, and 7 assists, the Nuggets were unable to secure a victory.
While Jokić will pose a significant challenge for the Lakers, the more pressing question is whether they can contain Jamal Murray and generate enough offensive output to overcome the Nuggets.
With Dončić on their side, the Lakers certainly have the capability.
Staying healthy will be essential, as it is for any team, but the Lakers have around 25 games to iron out any issues with their new lineup, which is ample time to prepare for the playoffs.
After all, most fans stopped doubting LeBron James long ago.
