Lakers 2019 NBA Championship Odds Improve Amid Anthony Davis Rumors

• The Lakers’ NBA Championship odds have been shortened to +1600
• LA is desperate to acquire Anthony Davis and appears willing to pay any price necessary
• Is there any value in betting the Lakers to win the 2019 NBA title?

The stench of desperation is permeating out of Los Angeles. The Lakers, who were without LeBron James for 17 games due to a groin injury, have fallen outside the playoff picture and are pestering the New Orleans Pelicans about a potential deal for Anthony Davis.

Lakers and Pelicans executives have connected on the phone concerning Anthony Davis, league sources tell ESPN. They’re expected to talk again prior to next week’s trade deadline.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 31, 2019

While the trade talks appear to be going nowhere at the moment, the rumors have shortened LA’s odds to win the NBA Championship to +1600.

2019 NBA Championship Odds

A week ago, the Lakers had the 10th best odds to win the title at +2300, but just the slim possibility of acquiring a talent like AD has vaulted them back inside the top six.

LA Doesn’t Have the Assets to Land Davis

The Lakers want Davis, and Davis wants to be a Laker. There’s just one problem.

Woj just said the Pels have “no interest” in trading Anthony Davis to the Lakers right now. ? (via @TheRenderNBA) pic.twitter.com/K0jbvkTODV

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 31, 2019

LA’s best offer is reportedly on the table, and it isn’t exactly blowing Dell Demps and the Pelicans away.

Sources: Lakers let Demps know one of trade scenarios would include Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Ivica Zubac, No. 1 pick, per source.

— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) January 31, 2019

Lonzo Ball is currently sidelined with an ankle injury, and the other three Lakers make up three fifth of LA’s starting line-up. If the Lakers are so eager to unload their top young talent, it doesn’t offer much confidence that they’ll be able to make a deep playoff run if they can’t land AD.

The Pelicans Will Wait Until July to Trade Davis

Right now the Pelicans hold all the cards. If they decline LA’s best offer, they can wait until the summer when the Celtics can enter the conversation.

The Celtics are reportedly willing to trade EVERYONE except Kyrie Irving to land Anthony Davis.

More: https://t.co/VcSahMY1v5 pic.twitter.com/ulceh8qNEv

— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) January 31, 2019

Boston has more draft picks and much better young players to offer. New Orleans would be foolish to take a package worth pennies on the dollar from the Lakers, when a potential gold mine from the Celtics will be on the table.

The only complication is the status of Kyrie Irving. The All-Star guard plans to opt-out of his contract this summer and is rumored to be interested in joining the Knicks. When asked on Friday about his future in Boston, Irving replied, “Ask me July 1st.”

Kyrie Irving asked if his mindset has changed regarding re-signing with Boston: “Ask me July 1.” He says he’s going to do what’s best for his career.

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 1, 2019

That’s not exactly what the Celtics want to hear, and it may impact upon Davis’ desire to sign with the Celtics long term, if acquired. Stay tuned, as this story is bound to have more twists and turns.

Fade the Lakers, Bet the Warriors

This isn’t the time to get cute.  Sure, it’s always fun to have a LeBron ticket in your pocket, but without Davis, this Lakers team isn’t good enough to come out of the West. Just play it smart and bet the Warriors.

? @boogiecousins tallies a season-high 22 PTS in the @warriors 11th consecutive W! #DubNation pic.twitter.com/vp5qD5GHP7

— NBA (@NBA) January 29, 2019

They’ve won 11 of their last 12 and the addition of Boogie Cousins has given them a whole new dimension on offense. It won’t be long before the Bay Area is celebrating a third straight NBA Championship.