As the NBA season approaches, the spotlight is once again on the Los Angeles Lakers. With a star-studded roster and a history of success, the Lakers are poised to make a significant impact. But how does this translate into betting odds? What are the Lakers playoff chances, and are they a top contender to win the NBA Championship? Let’s take a look at the odds and season-long props below.
Lakers Playoff Chances
Heading into the 2023-24 season, the Lakers have a 78% chance of making the playoffs according to the odds at DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Odds to make playoffs: -350
- Percent to make playoffs: 78%
Lakers Season-Long Props & Futures
- NBA Champion: +1200
- Conference Winner: +650
- Division Winner: +350
- Regular season wins: 47.5
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Recap of Lakers 2022-23 Season
The 2022-23 NBA season was a rollercoaster ride for the Los Angeles Lakers. The team, led by the dynamic duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, had a strong run in the playoffs, reaching the Western Conference Finals. However, their journey to this point was not without its challenges.
The Lakers started the season with a roster that seemed perhaps broken beyond repair. However, a busy NBA trade deadline helped correct a lot of those issues, and the franchise seemingly took further steps in the right direction. The Lakers pulled themselves out of the self-inflicted Russell Westbrook mess with some inspired in-season work last year and ended up with a roster that was functional enough to break through a soft draw to reach the conference finals.
The Lakers’ regular season was marked by a series of ups and downs. They won 43 games, a respectable total, but not one that reflected the true potential of their star-studded roster. Injuries played a significant role in their performance, with LeBron James missing a significant number of games due to a torn tendon in his right foot. Anthony Davis also had his share of health issues, never playing more than 62 games in a season with the Lakers and hasn’t played in more than 70 since 2018.
Despite these challenges, the Lakers managed to find their stride in the latter part of the season. They won 18 of their final 27 games, turning a play-in tournament invite into consecutive playoff series victories. The emergence of Austin Reaves as a legitimate third option over the second half of last season added another dimension to their offense.
In the playoffs, the Lakers showcased their potential, making a deep run to the Western Conference Finals. However, they were ultimately swept by the Denver Nuggets, ending their season on a disappointing note. Despite this setback, the Lakers’ playoff run was a testament to their resilience and potential.
Overall, the 2022-23 season was a mixed bag for the Lakers. While they fell short of their ultimate goal of winning the championship, they showed flashes of brilliance and proved that they have the talent and resilience to compete at the highest level. As they look ahead to the 2023-24 season, the Lakers will be hoping to build on their successes and address their shortcomings to make an even deeper run in the playoffs.
Offseason Changes and Their Impact
The Los Angeles Lakers made several key moves during the offseason that could significantly impact their performance in the upcoming season. The team focused on maintaining several key players from last year’s campaign while investing in younger talent to bolster their roster.
One of the most notable moves was the re-signing of Anthony Davis. Davis, a dominant force on both ends of the court, has been a key player for the Lakers since he joined the team. His contract extension signals the Lakers’ commitment to building their team around him and LeBron James. However, Davis’ health has been a concern in the past, and his ability to stay healthy will be crucial for the Lakers’ success.
The Lakers also re-signed Austin Reaves, who emerged as a legitimate third option last season. Reaves’ development into a reliable scorer added another dimension to the Lakers’ offense, and his continued growth will be key to the team’s offensive success.
In addition to retaining key players, the Lakers also made several new additions to their roster. They signed Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, and Christian Wood, providing the team with more shooting and depth. Vincent, in particular, is a capable on-ball defender who can keep the offense afloat during the regular season. Prince brings versatility and shooting to the forward position, while Wood, a talented big man, adds depth to the frontcourt.
However, these new additions will need to integrate well with the existing roster. The Lakers’ success will depend on their ability to form a cohesive unit and develop strong team chemistry. The team’s depth and versatility will also be tested throughout the long and grueling NBA season.
Key Players: LeBron James and Anthony Davis
The Los Angeles Lakers’ success in the upcoming season will largely hinge on the performance of their star duo, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Both players have proven their worth time and again, and their performance in the upcoming season will be crucial for the Lakers’ success.
LeBron James, despite entering his 21st NBA season, continues to defy Father Time. He remains one of the league’s top players, showcasing his skills in the previous season by becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer while also making Third Team All-NBA. James’ health will be a key factor in the Lakers’ performance this season. He dealt with a torn tendon in his right foot during the final few months of the previous season, and his ability to stay healthy and perform at an elite level will be crucial for the Lakers.
Anthony Davis, on the other hand, is a dominant force when healthy. He is capable of changing the game on both ends of the court and was a key player for the Lakers in their run to the Western Conference Finals last season. However, Davis’ health has been a concern in the past. He has never played more than 62 games in a season with the Lakers and hasn’t played in more than 70 since 2018. His ability to stay healthy and perform at his best will be crucial for the Lakers’ success.
In addition to James and Davis, the Lakers also have a strong supporting cast. The emergence of Austin Reaves as a legitimate third option last season adds another dimension to their offense. The offseason additions of Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, and Christian Wood have also bolstered the Lakers’ roster, providing them with more shooting and depth.
However, the success of the Lakers will largely depend on the performance of their star duo. If James and Davis can stay healthy and perform at their best, the Lakers have a strong chance of making a deep playoff run and potentially winning the championship.