We haven’t even reached NBA free agency yet, but already the landscape of the league has changed. The Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans have agreed to a blockbuster trade that sends superstar Anthony Davis to the Lakers. This significant move will see the Pelicans receiving a package that includes Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and three coveted first-round draft picks.
This trade has immediately altered the odds for next year's NBA Finals, making the Lakers the favorites according to Vegas sportsbooks. Just a month earlier, the Lakers had 20-1 odds of winning the championship. However, following serious injuries to key players like Golden State’s Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson, along with reports of turmoil in Houston, the Lakers’ odds have improved significantly.
Now, the Lakers find themselves at 3-1 favorites to clinch the championship, with Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and Kyle Kuzma forming a formidable core. Despite the challenges of potentially not having enough funds to sign another star and having only five players currently under contract, the combination of a prime superstar and LeBron, even in the later stages of his career, poses a daunting challenge for the competition.
Significantly, a bettor recently placed a $10,000 wager on the Lakers at 5/1 odds to win the championship next season. Following the announcement of the trade by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the odds quickly shifted to 3-1, highlighting the immediate impact of this trade on betting lines. If the Lakers secure the 2020 NBA championship, this bettor stands to gain an additional $20,000, making the timing of their bet particularly noteworthy.
Could this bettor have had insider information? While it's possible, it's also plausible that they simply believed Davis would eventually join the Lakers, given his stated desire to play in either L.A. or New York. Regardless of the reasoning, if the Lakers lift the Larry O'Brien trophy next June, this bettor's foresight will be celebrated.
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