NBA Odds: Lakers Most Backed Team Since Pandemic Return Announcement
No one really knows what to expect from the NBA, or any sports league for that matter, once play returns following the current hiatus.
But most bettors are in agreement that whenever professional basketball does return, the Lakers are the team to beat.
Los Angeles went into the suspension in play with the best record in the West and is currently +270 to win it all, giving them a 27% implied probability. Those odds have been enough to convince bettors that they’re the smart bet.
According to DraftKings, 21% of all bets since the pandemic return plan announcement have been on the Lakers to win it all, almost double any other team. Meanwhile, 26% of the money in that same time period has backed LA.
Portland is in somewhat of a unique situation. With +25000 odds and in ninth place in the West, only 3% of bets have been on the Trail Blazers but they own a whopping 13% of the handle, good for second in the league.
The Sixers are next in line in terms of the money they have behind them. They own 12% of the handle ad 10% of all bets at +2800.
The time off will certainly help the Lakers. LeBron James isn’t getting any younger, and a few months off could be just the boost the 35-year old needs to get his fourth title.