What Are the Odds for the Lakers to Win the NBA Championship?

Odds for Lakers

As the 2024 NBA season unfolds, basketball fans all over the world are already hitting the message boards debating whether the Los Angeles Lakers will have what it takes to win their 18th championship. The Lakers are definitely one of the most favorite teams in the league just because of their rich history in the NBA, but what are their chances for this year? Let’s look at the factors that determine their opportunities and how they compare to the rest of the competitors.

The Current Squad: A Mix of Experience and Youth

The Lakers have some crazy odds because of the typical mix of veteran experience and young talent. And then there is LeBron James himself, now into his 21st season, still a central figure. Although an older player, well into his 30s, LeBron’s level of basketball IQ, court vision, and game-taker attitude are significant. His presence alone boosts the Lakers’ odds, with few players in the league having had his postseason experience and pressure-valued performances.

But LeBron isn’t alone. Anthony Davis is a key superstar as well to the team winning a championship. Davis, when healthy, is a cornerstone two-way player who can anchor the Lakers’ defense and provide crucial points in the paint. The problem is, his health is a major question. In recent years, some have wondered if he can keep himself on the court consistently, and by extension if his team has a championship chance.

Lurking behind these superstars is a squad much deeper than it has been in years. Key offseason pickups along with the growth of young players like Austin Reaves add important depth. He’s become a positionless player who can score, pass, and defend ᅳ essentially a perimeter bonus weapon for the Lakers. The Lakers would then be all the stronger to go for the championship if this group of role players can step up their game on a regular basis.

Western Conference: Unfriendly Neighborhood

It’s not a clear path to championship glory for the Lakers, largely due to how stacked the Western Conference is. The Denver Nuggets, last year’s champions, are still the team to beat. Nikola Jokić in his prime, a Nuggets team with role players that are stacked and incredibly deep, can actually make a deep run in the playoffs. If any team will become a serious opponent of the Lakers’ quest to return to championship form, it will be as defending champions.

Other teams like the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, and Dallas Mavericks also have legitimate chances to contend. The Suns added Bradley Beal to go along with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, making them one of the more potent offensive teams in the league. For the Warriors, there’s always a chance, considering their championship DNA, and a healthy Steph Curry and Klay Thompson are now in the fold. The Mavericks have star power in Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving to go toe-to-toe with anyone.

The depth of star talent in the West means the Lakers will have to fight through a lineup of elite teams just to make the Finals, which by definition drops their chances of winning the championship relative to what they would be if they played in a weaker conference.

The Health Factor: A Major Variable

And the greatest factor in the Lakers’ chances will be health, especially that of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Injuries have dogged the Lakers in recent seasons, and any extended absence of either of these stars will derail their championship aspirations. It is a legitimate worry with LeBron’s age and mileage and with Davis’ injury track record.

However, if the Lakers stay healthy, they have the talent and experience to compete with anyone. And a healthy Lakers team- LeBron at the helm with Davis in tow- is one of the league’s most intimidating teams. No one could match their ability to compete in crunch time and high-pressure situations, and their championship DNA gave them a huge edge when things get tight in playoff series.

Betting Odds: What Do the Bookmakers Say?

As of now, oddsmakers believe in the Lakers as one of the top handful of contenders but not as outright favorites. You’ll often find sportsbooks listing the odds to win the 2024 NBA championship for the Lakers in a range from +800 to +1200. These odds put them behind teams such as the Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, and Milwaukee Bucks. All these teams are ahead of the Warriors because they seemingly have the roster makeup, recent performances, and depth that make for a better shot at the title.

For context, these odds work out to an implied probability of approximately 7-10%—depending on the sportsbook, of course—that the Lakers will win the championship. Though these numbers aren’t quite enough to make them favorites, they do tend to demonstrate just how well the Lakers could do in the playoffs when everything falls into place, particularly health and chemistry.

Intangibles: Championship Pedigree and Motivation

One factor that can’t be easily quantified but plays a significant role – the championship pedigree of the Lakers. LeBron has been to the NBA Finals 10 times and has won 4 championships. Anthony Davis was a beast during the Lakers’ 2020 title run despite all his injuries. The experience of these 2 players in high-pressure playoff situations can’t be taken lightly.

Also, LeBron’s motivation to win another title—especially as he nears the end of his career—could provide an emotional and mental edge. He’s chasing his fifth ring with an opportunity to pursue his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time in the NBA. This appetite, combined with the team’s talent and experience, adds intangible value to this team’s championship odds.

Conclusion: Can the Lakers Win the 2024 NBA Championship?

The Lakers’ chances of winning the 2024 NBA championship are definitely within reach, but they’ll face tough challenges. Injuries to major players are factors, strength of the Western Conference and some other elite teams like the Nuggets and Suns are just too damn good. However, if LeBron James and Anthony Davis stay healthy and the cast around them keeps performing, the Lakers actually have a legitimate shot at banner No. 18 in the rafters.

Finally, while the Lakers may not be the favorite to bet on, it is a team that can pull against the odds with their star power and experience in the league. To fans, it’s a season to keep a close watch on since a healthy, motivated Lakers team is always dangerous during the chase for the championship.