NBA Finals 2019 Odds: LeBron James, Lakers No Longer Considered Warriors' Biggest Threat

Shortly after the Los Angeles Lakers signed LeBron James, they were named the biggest threat to dethrone the Golden State Warriors at various sportsbooks. Some sportsbooks even made L.A. the favorite to win the 2019 NBA Finals for a short time, likely assuming that the team would soon add another superstar.

Nearly two weeks later, no All-Star, let alone a superstar, has joined James in Los Angeles. It’s looking more and more like the Lakers’ current roster will be the one that suits up on Opening Night, hurting the team’s chances of winning their first title in nearly a decade.

The latest betting odds at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook list the Lakers as the fourth favorite in the 2018-2019 season. Golden State is, of course, the overwhelming favorite. The Boston Celtics have the second-best odds, followed by the Houston Rockets.

That means the Lakers are no longer even considered to be the Warriors’ biggest challenge in the Western Conference. The Rockets maintain that distinction after nearly defeating the defending champs in the conference finals. Houston had a 3-2 series lead over the Warriors, but they were defeated in the series’ final two games without the injured Chris Paul.

Houston hasn’t made any major additions this offseason, though they are given the best chance of adding Carmelo Anthony, who will be traded or bought out by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Trevor Ariza left Houston for the Phoenix Suns for a one-year, $15 million contract.

Boston has been largely inactive this offseason, and it’s still unknown if they’ll bring back restricted free agent Marcus Smart. The Celtics will essentially add Gordon Hayward, who missed 81 games and the entire postseason with a broken ankle. Kyrie Irving should be back to start the season after missing the playoffs with a knee injury.

In addition to signing James, the Lakers have signed free agents JaVale McGee, Lance Stephenson and Rajon Rondo. Los Angeles re-signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to a one-year, $12 million contract.

It no longer seems like a given that the San Antonio Spurs will trade Kawhi Leonard. Leonard reportedly wants to play for the Lakers, but the team doesn’t seem willing to match the Spurs’ asking price.