Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors Are Most Popular 2021 NBA Finals Bets

The Los Angeles Lakers are heavy favorites to win the NBA Finals, but that hasn’t deterred bettors from wagering on the reigning champions. The Lakers are overwhelmingly the most popular bet to win the title ahead of the season opener.

The Lakers account for 42% of the money that’s been wagered on the next champion, according to BetOnline. The online sportsbook gives Los Angeles +250 odds to win a second straight title.

The Golden State Warriors are the second-most popular NBA Finals bet with 9% of the money wagered. The Brooklyn Nets have received 9% of the cash, as well, followed by the Los Angeles Clippers at 8%.

For the entirety of the 2019-20 season, the Los Angeles teams were considered the top teams in the West. The Clippers blew a 3-1 series lead in the second round, preventing the much-anticipated all-L.A. conference finals matchup. The Lakers cruised through the playoffs with a 16-5 record.

LeBron James reminded the league that he’s still the best basketball player on earth, finishing second in the regular-season MVP race and winning his fourth Finals MVP award. Anthony Davis might be the best teammate of James’ career, forming a dominant duo.

The Nets and Clippers both have +650 title odds. The Milwaukee Bucks also have +650 odds, completing the second tier of championship contenders.

Golden State was considered to be among the biggest threats to the Lakers until the day of the NBA Draft. That’s when Warriors sharpshooter Klay Thompson suffered a torn Achilles, ending his season before it could begin.

The Warriors start the season with +2500 championship odds, putting them behind nine teams. Golden State had +800 odds to win the NBA Finals before Thompson got hurt.

Thompson missed all of last season with a torn ACL. Stephen Curry and Thompson led the Warriors to the Finals each year from 2015-2019.

Golden State had the NBA's worst record in 2019-20.