Every year, the Los Angeles Lakers attract attention in NBA championship betting futures. The inclusion of LeBron James certainly adds to their popularity.

The recent trade for Luka Dončić, alongside the Lakers’ impressive performance over the last seven weeks, has spiked interest among bettors.

“The Lakers were already our biggest liability before the Dončić trade. Since the trade, that liability has only gotten bigger,” stated Caesars Sports head of NBA trading, David Lieberman.

Transition from Contender to Favorite

Initially, the Lakers were valued at +2500 for NBA Finals futures odds, trailing behind the favorites. The odds worsened at one point to +4000.

“They definitely weren’t looking like a title contender,” Lieberman said. As of February 1, the Lakers executed a trade that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas for Dončić, prompting a quick jump in odds to +1600.

In a thriving Las Vegas sports market, the Lakers remain an enticing team for bets across the nation.

Recent Form

Prior to Dončić’s February 10 debut, the Lakers had a commanding 9-1 record. Post-trade, they are 9-2 and currently on an active eight-game win streak, showing a formidable record of 18-3 over their last 21 games.

With LeBron, Dončić and the ongoing strong performance, bettors have considerable incentives to place their bets on the Lakers for the championship.

Currently, Caesars lists the Lakers as +900 fourth choice in NBA Finals odds, just behind the Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Liabilities continue to mount, with steady betting trends observed towards the Lakers since the trade.