Lakers’ Division Odds Suggest You Should Fade Them in Western Conference
By Peter Dewey
The Los Angeles Lakers continue to slip in the latest Pacific Division odds at WynnBET.
After opening the season as the favorite to win the division, Los Angeles has lost several key players, most notably superstar LeBron James, to injury this season.
Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn, Trevor Ariza and Wayne Ellington are just a few of the other rotation players that have been banged up for Los Angeles this season.
Is this the time to buy-low on the Lakers? Maybe, but I’m not so sure. Here’s a look at the updated division odds:
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Latest Odds to Win the Pacific Division
- Golden State Warriors: +170
- Phoenix Suns: +180
- Los Angeles Lakers: +230
- Los Angeles Clippers: +1200
- Sacramento Kings: +10000
Golden State is 9-1 this season, and the Suns have won five straight games to move to 6-3 on the year. The Lakers haven’t been able to get in a groove without James, and there’s a chance he could be out longer than originally expected.
The reeling Lakers have said little about the injury to LeBron James, but ex-strength coach @tdathletesedge said a 4-8 week timeline is realistic. New @theathletic on the outlook for the Lakers as they face a lengthy absence for their most important star: https://t.co/SmJPDjH2fK
— Bill Oram (@billoram) November 7, 2021
I have been skeptical about how the Lakers’ trio of Russell Westbrook, LeBron James and Anthony Davis would mesh, and James’ absence sets the team back even further.
James has been durable in his career, but he has suffered injuries in every season with the Lakers except when they won the title in the 2019-20 season.
James injured his groin in the 2018-19 season, his ankle last season and now is facing an extended absence with an abdominal strain. I don’t think I’d take the Lakers, who are currently the favorites to win the Western Conference, at this point in the season.
LeBron James set to miss more time with abdominal strain.https://t.co/T7PAfPv7fc
— FanSided NBA (@FanSidedNBA) November 4, 2021
If Los Angeles falls like it did last season, there’s a good chance they face too tough of a road to make it to the NBA Finals. The division odds have already shifted, and I’d recommend you hold off on any Lakers futures until their odds become favorable to take.