Las Vegas Odds Say LeBron’s Lakers Will Miss NBA Playoffs, Would Be First for NBA Superstar Since 2005

Posted on: February 27, 2019, 10:46h. 

Last updated on: February 27, 2019, 10:46h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

Las Vegas odds have LeBron James and his Los Angeles Lakers missing the NBA Playoffs. It would be the first time the superstar sat out the postseason since 2005.

Las Vegas odds NBA LeBron James
The season hasn’t been easy for LeBron James’ Lakers, and Las Vegas odds now have the team missing the playoffs. (Image: Justin Ford/USA TODAY Sports)

The Westgate SuperBook has the 29-31 Lakers at +275 to make the postseason. That implies odds of just 26.67 percent, a shockingly low number that comes as the game’s best player struggles with a Hollywood drama with his new team in Tinseltown.

If Los Angeles does make the NBA Playoffs, bettors who take those odds will be rewarded $275 for every $100 wagered. The SuperBook’s Las Vegas odds on the Lakers staying out of the Western Conference’s top eight is at -350, meaning gamblers will need to bet $350 to net $100 on LeBron sitting the postseason.

James has received criticism of late for expressing his dissatisfaction with certain teammates. Following an ugly loss to the Memphis Grizzlies this week, LeBron told reporters, “If you’re still allowing distractions to affect the way you play, this is the wrong franchise to be a part of and you should just come in and be like, ‘Listen, I can’t do this.'”

James was speaking to the immense media focus on the team potentially missing the playoffs.

LeBron One-Man Show

James has only missed the NBA Playoffs twice, and both came in his first two years with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2003-04 and 2004-05 seasons. The future Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame member has gone to eight straight NBA Finals – winning three – but now faces being on a team that isn’t even in the league’s top 16.

Former teammate Shaquille O’Neal commented on James’ frustration, and lack of support.

It’s no time to sit and sulk,” Shaq stated. “If you don’t want to be traded or you don’t want to be talked about, step up. LeBron is used to playing with guys who hit shots and make him look good. He’s not having that right now.”

“I was traded six times. I never cried about it,” O’Neal continued. “It’s the business of basketball. If you want to be a guy who doesn’t get traded, you’ve got to step up. Period.”

James, of course, has stepped up his entire career, and that includes this year. He leads his team in points (26.8), rebounds (8.8) and assists (7.8). But he’s also been lambasted for seemingly giving up on the Lakers.

Twitter users highlighted James sitting in on a recording session of rapper 2 Chainz late on February 1. LeBron sat out the Lakers’ game the next day against the Golden State Warriors, with the team citing “load management” as the reason.

Playoff Picture

The Lakers might not be in the playoffs, but the two-time defending champion Warriors will be. And they remain the favorite for the NBA Finals at 2/5. To net $100, bettors will need to risk $250.

The Milwaukee Bucks are next at 7/1, followed by the Toronto Raptors at 8/1. The Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, and Oklahoma City Thunder are all at 14/1.

The Lakers are a distant 50/1.