These are challenging times for the Los Angeles Lakers, as the storied franchise finds itself in a precarious position midway through the 2024-25 NBA season. Once considered perennial contenders, the Lakers are now facing an uphill battle to secure a playoff spot, let alone contend for an NBA championship. It’s made for a crazy time in Laker Land, and the team, the coach, and ownership are starting to hear it from the fans.
Odds Lengthen
The Lakers’ championship aspirations have taken a significant hit recently, with their odds of winning the 2025 NBA title steadily declining. As of the latest updates, the team’s odds to win the championship stand at +3000, a far cry from the favorable odds they enjoyed at the start of the season. This shift in betting lines reflects the team’s struggles on the court and the growing skepticism among oddsmakers, gamblers, and fans alike.
Concerning Losses
The Lakers’ recent form has been particularly concerning, with the team posting a dismal 3-7 record over their last ten games. This slump has affected their standing in the Western Conference and cast doubt on their ability to compete with the league’s elite teams. The nadir of their recent struggles came in a humiliating 134-93 loss to the Miami Heat, a defeat that laid bare the team’s defensive shortcomings and lack of cohesion.
In that game, the Heat torched the Lakers from beyond the arc, connecting on 24 three-pointers – the third-most allowed by a Lakers team. The loss was emblematic of the Lakers’ broader issues, with head coach JJ Redick expressing his embarrassment and calling for more ownership from the players on the court. The defeat was not an isolated incident but rather part of a troubling trend that has seen the Lakers lose five of their last six games by an average of more than 20 points.
LeBron James
Adding to the Lakers’ woes is the uncertain status of their superstar, LeBron James. The 39-year-old forward is expected to miss Friday night’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to a left foot injury. James’ absence and advancing age raise questions about the team’s ability to rely on him as heavily as they have in past seasons.
The Rest of December
Looking ahead, the Lakers face a daunting December schedule that includes matchups against six playoff-caliber teams, including three games against the Sacramento Kings. This challenging stretch could further impact their odds and playoff positioning. Unless the team can dramatically improve its performance, it will likely enter 2025 with a losing record, which seemed improbable at the season’s outset.
The Lakers’ struggles are reflected in their current standing in the Western Conference. While specific odds for making the playoffs are not currently available, their position in the conference standings suggests they are far from a lock to secure a postseason berth. This uncertainty is far from the expectations surrounding the franchise, which has long been synonymous with championship contention.
Defensively, the Lakers have been particularly vulnerable, ranking 27th in the league over their last eight games. This defensive ineptitude, combined with an offense that ranks 28th over the same period, paints a picture of a team struggling on both ends. The lack of consistency and inability to execute basic defensive schemes have frustrated coaches and players.
Anthony Davis, the team’s other cornerstone player, has also been criticized for his inconsistent play. In the blowout loss to Miami, Davis scored just eight points on 3-of-14 shooting, a performance that epitomized the team’s broader struggles. Davis’s inability to dominate games consistently has put additional pressure on an aging James and a supporting cast that has yet to find its rhythm.
The Lakers’ current predicament is a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NBA. Just a season ago, the team made a surprising run to the Western Conference Finals, sparking hope that they were on the verge of returning to championship contention. However, their season performance has tempered those expectations and raised questions about the team’s long-term direction.
As the Lakers navigate this challenging period, they must find answers quickly to salvage their season and improve their championship odds. LeBron James’s return from injury will be crucial, but the team’s issues run deeper than the absence of a single player. Improved defensive effort, better offensive execution, and more consistent contributions from role players will all be necessary if the Lakers hope to climb back into the playoff picture and regain their status as legitimate contenders.
Fortunes can change rapidly in the NBA’s unpredictable landscape. However, the Los Angeles Lakers face long odds and an uncertain future, a position unfamiliar to a franchise accustomed to success and championship aspirations.
