- What: Updated NBA Futures
- Who: The Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks swapped Anthony Davis and Luka Doncic in a shocking blockbuster trade on Saturday night
- When: 2025 NBA Season
The Dallas Mavericks stunned basketball fans everywhere on Saturday night by shipping Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis and a 2029 first-round pick.Ā The 25-year-old Slovenian led the NBA in scoring (33.9 points per game) last season and is coming off five straight first-team All-NBA seasons.
Following the massive deal, let's look at the latest betting futures to win the 2025 NBA Finals. Odds are subject to change.
| Team |  |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma City Thunder | +225 |
| Boston Celtics | +240 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | +700 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | +1000 |
| New York Knicks | +1200 |
| Denver Nuggets | +1400 |
| Dallas Mavericks | +2800 |
| Memphis Grizzlies | +2800 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | +2800 |
| Los Angeles Clippers | +3300 |
| Houston Rockets | +4000 |
| Phoenix Suns | +4500 |
| Golden State Warriors | +5000 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | +5000 |
| Orlando Magic | +6600 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | +6600 |
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Lakers title odds shorten dramatically
Before Saturday night's trade, Los Angeles was +4000 to win the NBA ChampionshipĀ - now the Lakers are +1000 to take home the Larry O'Brien Trophy. That trails only Oklahoma City (+225), Boston (+240) and Cleveland (+700).
At 28-19, J.J. Redick's club sits 5th in the Western Conference, 10 games behind the first-place Thunder, and 4.5 games up on the 11th place Golden State Warriors, who are outside the playoffs and looking in entering Sunday night's action.
LeBron blindsided?
Doncic gives LeBron James a new running mate. The 40-year-old NBA legend reportedly learned of the deal while out for a meal with his family, and was surprised by the move.
King James is not showing his age this year. Last week, he was named an All-Star starter for a record 21st consecutive season.Ā LeBron is averaging 24 points, 7.6 rebounds and a team-high 9 assists per game.
Just hours before the trade went down, James registered his 10th triple-double of the year, putting up 33 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds in a 128-122 victory over the New York Knicks.
Grateful for this amazing opportunity. Basketball means everything to me, and no matter where I play the game, Iāll do so with the same joy, passion and goal - to win championships. https://t.co/psfgI5o9Pn
ā Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) February 2, 2025
Mavericks championship odds balloon
Doncic averaged 28.9 points, 9.5 rebounds and 8.1 assists in 22 playoff games last year, leading the Mavericks all the way to the NBA Finals. However, they lost in 5 games to the Celtics and Luka started to face questions about his conditioning and defense.
With their Slovenian superstar still overweight and due for a a five-year $345 million supermax extension this offseason, Dallas decided to send him to Hollywood for an underwhelming package of Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and the Lakers 2029 first-round pick.
Following Saturday's deal, the Mavericks' title odds spiked from +2500 to +2800.
Does defense win championships?
"I believe that defense wins championships," said Mavs GM Nico Harrison in explaining his baffling trade to ESPN. But, while Anthony Davis is an elite defender, he's chronically injured. In fact, the soon-to-be 32-year-old power forward is currently out with an abdominal injury.
Given that Dallas is only 1 game ahead of 11th place Golden State and barely clinging to a play-in spot, it's safe to to say you don't want to touch the Mavericks +2800 to win an NBA championship.
LeBron James shows love to Anthony Davis. šš pic.twitter.com/lT2C9x2PRw
ā Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 2, 2025
Can the Lakers win the title?
The Lakers are now fourth in the odds to win the NBA Finals at +1000.Ā By pairing Doncic with James and Austin Reaves, Los Angeles has one of the best offensive trios in all of basketball. However, they have no legitimate center and desperately need a 3-and-D wing.
The good news is general manager Rob Pelinka gave up almost nothing for Luka, so he still has assets to build a championship roster before Thursday's 3pm ET NBA trade deadline.
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