Lakers’ Championship Odds Surge After Doncic Trade
The Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to acquire Luka Doncic has reshaped the NBA title race—and sportsbooks are feeling the impact. After opening at +2500, the Lakers’ championship odds have now plummeted to +1400 at BetMGM, making them the sportsbook’s biggest liability to win it all.
Public bettors have been quick to back the Lakers, accounting for 13.1% of all title bets and 12.1% of the total handle. At 32-20 and currently sitting 5th in the Western Conference, Los Angeles is looking to surge post-All-Star break behind their new superstar duo.
Lakers’ New Rotation Under JJ Redick
With Doncic now in the mix, first-year head coach JJ Redick is expected to roll out the following starting lineup: LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes. The Lakers’ bench will likely feature: Alex Len, Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt, Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent.
One key move that would have further bolstered their roster fell through—a trade for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams was rescinded, leaving LA without an elite rim protector. Williams’ presence would have significantly improved their interior defense, but the Lakers still boast a strong rotation heading into the final stretch of the season.
Public Reaction to the Trade
Even without Williams, bettors have flocked to the Lakers’ new-look roster, seeing value in the LeBron-Doncic pairing. Doncic, who’s averaging MVP-caliber numbers this season, adds elite playmaking, shot creation, and scoring versatility to an already talented squad.
With LeBron still performing at a high level, Redick bringing fresh coaching ideas, and Doncic giving the team another elite offensive weapon, it’s no surprise that public betting support has surged.
Can the Lakers Live Up to the Hype?
While the Lakers’ championship odds have been slashed, they still face a tough road in the deep Western Conference. Teams like the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves remain serious threats, and their lack of size inside could be a concern.
However, if Doncic and LeBron can develop strong chemistry, and if LA can find a way to shore up their interior defense, the betting market’s enthusiasm could be justified.
For now, one thing is certain: The Lakers are BetMGM’s biggest liability, and the public believes in their title chances.
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