Lakers Favored to Repeat Despite Trade News and Rumors

To say that it has been a wild week in the NBA would be putting it mildly. Along with the 2020 NBA Draft taking place this week, a lot of leading contenders are actively trying to make trades that could increase their chances to take the title this season. There have been a number of notable moves already, but a few prominent dominoes look likely to fall in the coming days.

The Los Angeles Lakers took home the hardware last season and are favored to defend their title. The Lakers aren’t resting on their laurels while others make moves either, adding Oklahoma City guard Dennis Schroder via trade and looking to make more moves, with the likes of DeMar DeRozan, Serge Ibaka, and Wesley Matthews among the names linked to them. As a result, it’s no surprise that the latest NBA futures betting odds reflect the Lakers’ strong position going into next season.

All odds via BetOnline as of Wednesday, November 18 (11:00 am ET).

Updated Odds to Win the 2020-21 NBA Championship

• Los Angeles Lakers +330
• Milwaukee Bucks +500
• Brooklyn Nets +600
• Los Angeles Clippers +700
• Golden State Warriors +950
• Boston Celtics +1500
• Denver Nuggets +2000
• Miami Heat +2000
• Toronto Raptors +2200
• Dallas Mavericks +2600

The Nets are expected to be a top contender even if they don’t land Harden. Adding him may not elevate them ahead of the Lakers and/or Bucks, at least not until Durant, Harden, and Irving hit the court together. But if he goes to the Celtics, Heat, or 76ers, the team that could secure a star-studded trio could see their odds come close to matching Milwaukee or Brooklyn’s.

Updated Odds to Win the Eastern Conference

• Milwaukee Bucks +220
• Brooklyn Nets +270
• Boston Celtics +550
• Miami Heat +700
• Toronto Raptors +750
• Philadelphia 76ers +1300

The Bucks have had a stellar regular season with a crushing playoff disappointment in the last two seasons, but their stock has not dipped in the slightest. By adding sharpshooter Bogdan Bogdanovic, and New Orleans star Jrue Holiday to go with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez, the Bucks could boast the best starting lineup in the league.

Will they remain the favorites in the Eastern Conference? That could come down to whether or not Houston Rockets star James Harden gets his wish and gets traded to the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets would have to give up a lot to acquire Harden, who is also reportedly a target for Boston, Miami, and Philadelphia. But a trio of Harden, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving would be expected to win a lot of games and make a serious title run.

Updated Odds to Win the Western Conference

• Los Angeles Lakers +180
• Los Angeles Clippers +360
• Golden State Warriors +410
• Denver Nuggets +1300
• Dallas Mavericks +1500
• Utah Jazz +1800

The Western Conference is loaded, especially with the Warriors back in the mix. It remains to be seen what kind of moves the Clippers make in their quest to topple the Lakers, but it’s difficult to see them standing still while other contenders get better.

Harden’s Destination Could Affect MVP Odds

Giannis captured a second straight MVP award last season. No one has won three in a row since Larry Bird did from 1894-86, but “The Greek Freak” is favored to do just that.

Updated 2020-21 NBA MVP Odds

• Giannis Antetokounmpo +390
• Luka Doncic +440
• Anthony Davis +700
• James Harden +850
• Stephen Curry +1200
• LeBron James +1400
• Kawhi Leonard +1600
• Kevin Durant +1600
• Damien Lillard +2000
• Jayson Tatum +2400
• Nikola Jokic +2400

A move to Brooklyn could actually diminish Harden’s MVP chances, as he would be sharing the ball with KD and Kyrie more than he would with any of the stars in Houston, Boston, Miami, or Philly.