The Los Angeles Lakers’ odds of winning the 2025 NBA Championship have taken a hit recently, slipping from an opening line of +3500 to +4000. This shift reflects the changing landscape of the NBA as teams make significant moves in the offseason to bolster their rosters and improve their championship prospects.
While the Lakers’ odds have drifted, other teams have dramatically improved their chances. The New York Knicks, in particular, have made a significant leap in the futures market. Opening at +1600, the Knicks’ odds have shortened considerably to +700 following their blockbuster trade for Karl-Anthony Towns. This move has catapulted the Knicks into the upper echelon of championship contenders, with their implied probability of winning the title now sitting at 12.5%.
Here, we review the best NBA betting odds in Australia, Europe, and the United States.
Trades and Signings
The Knicks’ acquisition of Towns is a game-changer for the franchise. The multi-time All-Star brings a unique skill set to New York, combining elite scoring ability with solid rebounding and improved defensive capabilities. His addition to a roster that includes Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett makes the Knicks a formidable force in the Eastern Conference. The trade, which saw Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo head to Minnesota with a protected first-round pick, represents a significant upgrade for New York and explains their dramatic odds shift.
Another team that has seen its championship odds improve is the Philadelphia 76ers. After opening at +1600, the Sixers are now priced at +1000 following their offseason signing of Paul George to a four-year max contract. The addition of George to a lineup featuring reigning MVP Joel Embiid and James Harden gives Philadelphia one of the most talented trios in the league. This move has impressed oddsmakers, who now view the Sixers as severe contenders in what promises to be a highly competitive Eastern Conference.
The Phoenix Suns have also experienced a positive shift in their championship odds, moving from +2500 to +1500. This improvement likely reflects the market’s growing confidence in the Suns’ core of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal and the team’s offseason moves to shore up their supporting cast. The Suns’ odds suggest they are viewed as dark horse contenders capable of making a deep playoff run if their star-studded lineup can gel effectively.
Defending Champions
Despite these significant moves by other teams, the Boston Celtics remain the clear favorites to win the 2025 NBA Championship. With odds of +325, the Celtics have an implied probability of 23.5% to claim the title. This favoritism is unsurprising given Boston’s recent championship victory and the strength of their roster, which includes stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as somewhat surprising second favorites, with odds of +675, translating to a 12.9% implied probability of winning the championship. This reflects the rapid development of the Thunder’s young core, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, and suggests that oddsmakers believe OKC could be ready to make a significant leap in the coming season.
The Los Angeles Lakers slip to +4000 indicates that the market is less bullish on their championship prospects than when the odds first opened. This could be due to concerns about the aging core of LeBron James and Anthony Davis and questions about the team’s depth and ability to compete in a stacked Western Conference. However, it’s worth noting that the Lakers have defied expectations before, and their current odds could present value to bettors who believe in the team’s potential to make another championship run.
Futures Markets
The current futures market paints a picture of a highly competitive NBA landscape heading into the 2024-25 season. With several teams making significant moves to improve their rosters, the race for the championship appears more open than in recent years. The Celtics may be the favorites, but the Knicks, Thunder, 76ers, and Suns have all positioned themselves as serious contenders.
The Lakers’ challenge will be to prove they can still compete at the highest level despite their lengthening odds. With LeBron James continuing to defy Father Time and Anthony Davis capable of dominating when healthy, the Lakers cannot be discounted entirely. However, they must navigate a rugged Western Conference and likely make additional moves to strengthen their roster if they hope to return to championship contention.
As the season approaches, these odds will continue to fluctuate based on further trades, free-agent signings, and any injuries that may occur during training camp or preseason. For now, the futures market suggests a potentially thrilling NBA season ahead, with multiple teams believing they have a legitimate shot at hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy in June 2025.
