NBA Season Overview
In a thrilling start to the NBA season, the Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as clear frontrunners for the championship, boasting impressive odds of +170 according to DraftKings Sportsbook. This implies that a modest $10 wager stands to potentially net $17 if they retain their title in June. Their dominance is barely surprising given their stellar performance, having registered a staggering 20-1 record as of late November, while averaging a margin of victory of 15.5 points, which puts them on track to surpass their own record from the previous season.
Challengers in the Race
Trailing the Thunder are the Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets, both sitting at +550, followed by the Cleveland Cavaliers at 10-1. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers are considered long shots to win it all, with odds set at 13-1, suggesting a $10 investment could yield $130 should they pull through. But do the Lakers genuinely have a chance?
The Lakers’ Potential
Indeed, they do, anchored by the immense talent of their star players. At the forefront is the legendary LeBron James, who, despite a slow start due to sciatica that sidelined him for the first month, still plays at a remarkably high level in his 21st season. LeBron’s return to the court may prove pivotal as he adapts to his new role, embracing a secondary position while contributing significantly to the team dynamics.
Playing alongside him, Austin Reaves has developed into a formidable offensive threat, recording career-high averages of 28.5 points and 6.7 assists per game with an astonishing true shooting percentage of 67.3%. His ability to both finish plays effectively and assist his teammates makes him a valuable second option, particularly in high-pressure situations where teams might overcommit to defending LeBron or circular offensive strategies focused on Luka Doncic.
Offensive Strategies
Speaking of Doncic, the Dallas Mavericks‘ star is currently drawing comparisons due to his central role in the Mavericks’ offensive strategy. As the league’s top scorer and a dynamic playmaker, Doncic excels at creating his own opportunities. However, he often faces challenges when defensive schemes target his unique abilities, shining a light on the Lakers’ diverse offensive capabilities.
The Lakers differentiate themselves with a multifaceted approach. Rather than relying solely on a star player, their nuanced strategy allows Reaves to alleviate the pressure on Doncic-like creators, contributing to ball movement and scoring efficiency. If opponents attempt to overplay certain matchups, the Lakers can pivot effectively, countering with Reaves’ skillset and LeBron’s increasing willingness to collaborate and involve teammates in scoring efforts.
Playoff Viability
As much as the Thunder are currently seen as the best team, the potential for the Lakers to make a deep playoff run cannot be discounted. ESPN’s Basketball Power Index ranks them fourth, indicating a strong position among playoff contenders. Consistently healthy, the Lakers could realistically challenge every major contender in the West, and with the depth in shot creation from their core trio—if they maintain synergy—there is optimism about their playoff viability.
While the Thunder may occupy the top tier of teams, the point is clear: the Lakers, with their evolving roles and capacity for enhanced cooperation, possess the pieces to contend seriously for the title. Currently at 13-1, they are worth considering for betting, especially given the small margins of relevance separating them from the frontrunners in the Western Conference, reinforcing their perceived longshot status while hinting at underlying potential.
