The Los Angeles Lakers were preseason contenders. Now, the betting market views them as nothing more than a middle-of-the-pack ball club.
Following Sunday's 28-point home loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, the Lakers' title odds tumbled to a new season-long of 49-1.
2022 NBA Title Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Suns | +410 |
| Warriors | +440 |
| Nets | +600 |
| Bucks | +650 |
| 76ers | +700 |
| Heat | +1000 |
| Jazz | +1600 |
| Celtics | +1900 |
| Bulls | +2700 |
| Grizzlies | +3000 |
| Nuggets | +3000 |
| Mavericks | +3500 |
| Lakers | +4900 |
| Cavaliers | +5000 |
| Timberwolves | +10000 |
| Raptors | +10000 |
| Clippers | +12000 |
| Hawks | +12000 |
| Hornets | +24000 |
| Spurs | +50000 |
| Rockets | +50000 |
| Wizards | +50000 |
| Pacers | +50000 |
| Pelicans | +50000 |
| Thunder | +50000 |
| Kings | +50000 |
| Pistons | +50000 |
| Trail Blazers | +50000 |
| Magic | +50000 |
| Knicks | +50000 |
*via FanDuel
Despite LeBron James' MVP-caliber campaign through the first half and change of the season — he's posting 29.0 points, 7.9 boards and 6.3 assists per game — the Lakers seemingly can't figure it out.
They've dropped both games post-All-Star break and five of the last six overall, sitting 27-33 entering the week. Los Angeles are currently the ninth seed in the Western Conference.
For context, the Lakers opened the season +400 to win the championship — right behind the Nets' number of +225 as second-best in the league. Just two weeks ago, the Lakers were priced at 18-1 to win the whole thing.
Sunday's defeat to New Orleans marked the third straight outright loss for the Lakers in the favorite role. They've been burning bettors all year with a 26-34 record against the spread (43.4%), the third-worst clip in the West.
If you're a believer and want to grab the Lakers at a discount, 49-1 is the best you'll find. Otherwise, we've seen the number as low as 28-1 at other shops.
