Los Angeles Lakers slash NBA title odds with 2-0 lead over Rockets
The Los Angeles Lakers have seen their NBA title odds dramatically slashed to 35-1 after taking a commanding 2-0 lead over the Houston Rockets in their first-round playoff series.
The 17-time champions entered the 2026 postseason as massive 150-1 long shots following a dismal end to their regular campaign.
Key injuries to leading scorers Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves had seemingly derailed their championship ambitions.
However, LeBron James has willed the Californian franchise to back-to-back victories over Houston to completely flip the betting market.
Injury boost could spark further shifts
The Lakers remain one of the largest liabilities across major sportsbooks.
Their outright odds could shorten even further if Doncic or Reaves manage a swift return to the court.
Reaves, suffering from an oblique issue, is reportedly targeting a comeback before the end of the opening round.
Conversely, the Rockets have plummeted to 300-1 outsiders after initially entering the postseason at 60-1.
Thunder emerge as outright favourites
At the top of the outright market, the Oklahoma City Thunder have achieved odds-on status.
This major price shift follows a dominant Game One thrashing of the Phoenix Suns.
Elsewhere, the Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs both saw their odds lengthen following surprising Game Two defeats.
Wembanyama concussion concern
San Antonio bettors are nervously monitoring the fitness of superstar centre Victor Wembanyama.
The French phenom suffered a concussion during their recent loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Denver Nuggets also saw their championship price drift to 11-1 after dropping their second game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Meanwhile, Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as the early betting favourite to secure the Finals MVP award.
