Betting site favors Miami Heat, over the Lakers, to win 2011 NBA title
Bodog.com has released its odds on who will win the 2011 NBA championship, and the star-studded Miami Heat, with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, are their favorite to win it all, at 7-4 odds.
The Lakers, who are going for a three-peat (it would be Coach Phil Jackson’s fourth career three-peat), is the second favorite to win next June, at 11-4. They're followed by the Orlando Magic (11-1), the Boston Celtics (12-1) and the Chicago Bulls (15-1). The youthful Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets follow at 18-1.
By the way, the Clippers are listed at 100-1, and Kurt Rambis’ woeful Minnesota Timberwolves squad pulls up the rear (with the Sacramento Kings, New Jersey Nets and Toronto Raptors) at 150-1.
Celticstown.com has its own take on the next champ and, surprise, lists "10 Reasons why the Boston Celtics will win the 2011 NBA Championship."
Reason No. 1: "To lose a Game 7, to the Los Angeles Lakers, in LA, after leading by 13 midway through the third quarter is as devastating as it gets. ... That pain, that memory can only be cleansed by raising banner 18."
-- Barry Stavro
Photo: Phil Jackson gets a champagne shower after the Lakers beat the Celtics in Game 7 to win the NBA Championship last June. Credit: Wally Skalij /Los Angeles Times
Yeah, talk about raining on Kobe's parade with the 3 super stars joining forces. Could this be the end of Laker's reign? I certainly hope the Lakers can pull the 3 peat.
Posted by: Old Hippy | September 03, 2010 at 02:18 PM
Reason No. 1: "To lose a Game 7, to the Los Angeles Lakers, in LA, after leading by 13 midway through the third quarter is as devastating as it gets. ... That pain, that memory can only be cleansed by raising banner 18."
WRONG. It was midway throught the FOURTH QTR.
"LOS ANGELES (AP)—The Los Angeles Lakers won their 16th NBA championship Thursday, dramatically rallying from a fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Boston Celtics 83-79 in Game 7 of the NBA finals."
Goes to show how Boston still can't get over the CRUSHING LOSS...
I LOVE IT!!! LAKERS BABY!!!!!!!
Posted by: HalosAnt | September 03, 2010 at 02:21 PM
A little late to ask...but...is Barry from the state of Masachusetts?
Posted by: utzworld - the BANNER HOLDER | September 03, 2010 at 02:22 PM
Sweet! I gotta get in on some of that action, puttin' my money on the Lake Show!
And that Boston quote is amazing. I'm gonna frame that and put it on my wall. "As devastating as it gets..." pure gold!
Posted by: Mayor of Kobe Town | September 03, 2010 at 02:22 PM
The disrespect of the basketball and betting worlds when it comes to the Lakers is outrageous. 3 straight finals appearances and 2 wins and they still get no respect. But mark my words, the Lakers are three-peating and the Heat won't make it out of the East.
So let it be written, so let it be done!
Posted by: Fan of the Mamba | September 03, 2010 at 02:24 PM
Doc Rivers makes the rounds:
On Shaq’s impact and if it will change the Celtics' style of play:
He won’t change our style because we want to run. We have a saying, "Let’s try to score in the first six seconds." If not, you try to execute the heck out of them. So we’re going to try to run and get easy baskets and then we’ll wait for Shaq to come down the floor. When asked if Shaq was brought in with Lakers in mind, Doc said, “Shaq has always had an upper hand on Bynum and Pau can't gaurd Big cactus, we are excited to have him even in his twlight years.
hmmm!
Posted by: Old Hippy | September 03, 2010 at 02:30 PM
"On Shaq’s impact and if it will change the Celtics' style of play:
He won’t change our style because we want to run. We have a saying, 'Let’s try to score in the first six seconds.' "
So now Doc is biting D'Antoni's style...
Look how well that worked out for Shaq in Phoenix... Remind me, how many rings did they win...
Now that deserves a "Hmmmm".
Posted by: HalosAnt | September 03, 2010 at 02:38 PM
1. Who cares what this site says?
2. The Meat haven't even played together yet. We have no idea how its going to work out for them. I expect a huge throat punch of instant karma for that team.
3. Reference justanothermambafan's story about the Spurs executive: The Lakers are the team to beat.
4. This is Phil Jackson's final season. Does anyone really think he's going to go out a loser? Anyone?
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 03, 2010 at 02:42 PM
plenty of delusional people out there isnt there? That's ok it will be that much more satisfying to watch the Lakers tie the Celtics for title 17 by beating the Celtics again while Miami's merry band of self absorbed narcissists watch it on TV....
Someone should tell Doc Rivers they havent invented a time machine yet, he's stuck with present day Shaq.....
Posted by: Airlock | September 03, 2010 at 02:51 PM
Vegas Odds had Miami 17/10 last week and Lakers 5/2. I'm going to check again tonight, but I definitely like the Lakers' odds.
I Plan On Getting Some of that Action!
_______________________________________________________
GO LAKERS!!!!!! ONE, TWO, THREE-PEAT TO THE THIRD POWER!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: The Triangulator | September 03, 2010 at 02:52 PM
Barry Stavro:
Thank you for feeding us news that is stimulating instead of being stuck in this constant broken record mode.
I hope when Mark Medina comes back he too follows your lead, I sense that he is too timid and does not want to lose his faithful followers.
Posted by: Old Hippy | September 03, 2010 at 02:53 PM
LOL...we know we are not favored by the handicappers...we heard that the day after the Decision...
And no thanks...no interest at viewing a Chowder website...
Posted by: LEWSTRS | September 03, 2010 at 02:54 PM
utzworld,
I don't know if he's originally from Massachusetts, but he went to Cal. So he MIGHT have a Nor Cal bias against the Lakers. Methinks something is afoot and I'm not talking about my foot.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 03, 2010 at 02:57 PM
One thing about the Heat is they are not good defensive team, and defense wins the championship. They might do well during the regular season, but once the playoff starts their weakness will be exposed. I hope they come out from the East, but I dont think they will.
Posted by: LakerPeace | September 03, 2010 at 02:58 PM
Old Hippy,
Ummm... are you really an old hippy?
Question: Where do you hide $500 is a house filled with Deadheads.
Answer: Under the soap.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 03, 2010 at 03:08 PM
Brian McKnight's I Love LA is AWESOME...
"The Lakeshow is the world's favorite team, and the definition now what a champ really means"
WOW I got fired up...This should have a 'disclaimer'...
WARNING! Watching this video may cause Laker Jonesing!
Posted by: LEWSTRS | September 03, 2010 at 03:13 PM
Jon K.:
If there were to be no competing teams then then why bother with the league, the fact we do only entitles others with the opinions of their own. I understand "lakerholic" like yourself only wants to hear every thing groovy about the Lakers, don't you find that a bit boring, bah humbug? How about some controversy? If there were no MJ then there would simply be no Kobe debate.
cheers!
Posted by: Old Hippy | September 03, 2010 at 03:22 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyoxQ68LOsg&feature=related KOBE 2011
Posted by: KOBE2011 | September 03, 2010 at 03:24 PM
I wouldn't get to worried about bodog.com or vegas odds. Some on it is not based on who will win but more likely who the betting crowd thinks is popular to win. They are trying to make the most money possible, so if the heat are all the rage and people are betting they are going to win, they have to increase the odds so they don't lose as much money if (miraculously, if there's a perfect storm of injuries to the 5 better teams in the league) they win.
I wasn't part of this blog last year, but I love thinking about the 4th quarter of Game 7. I don't know what it was, but I knew we were going to win. Maybe it's blind Lakerholic faith or some untapped psychic ability but I wasn't too worried (yes, in the fetal position but not too worried)- it was kind of weird. Love how much it crushed the celtics that their coach has to pull some inane trash out of his butt to say as a defense mechanism and that they actually picked up washed up shaq who will find some way to ruin that locker room - a great player in his day but now so much of a cancer that 3 of the best players in this league don't want him on their team.
I'm really excited to see what this team can do - I want them to crush all in their path!
Go Lakers!
Posted by: LakerFanInCowTown | September 03, 2010 at 03:54 PM
I"VE BEEN A CELTIC FAN SINCE 72 AND THROUGH THEIR UPS AND DOWNS,I NEVER LEFT THEM.BUT I WAS DISSAPPOINTED IN THEIR LOST TO THE LAKERS,BUT I KNOW THEY WILL BOUNCE BACK EVEN STRONGER THAN LAST SEASON,THIS I KNOW.AGE DOESN"T MATTER,BECAUSE THIS TEAM HAS ALOT OF HEART,AND A DESIRE TO WIN,AND I PUT MY FAITH IN THEM.WHAT OUT,BOSTON WILL HANG ANOTHER UP THIS SEASON,AND REMEMBER YOU HEARD IT FIRST FROM L.HOLMES
Posted by: LENWOOD HOLMES | September 03, 2010 at 04:24 PM
Lenwood Holmes: all caps? really? we would have given your obvious trolling post the benefit of the doubt if it didnt resemble a typed version of loud New England speak. Begone now and take your delusions of grandeur with you.
Posted by: Cap's Goggles | September 03, 2010 at 04:39 PM
Miami is in the process of fielding two teams next season, they have 18 players signed up, 6 more to go, their coach, Pat riley, the name, miami melt.
Posted by: jack77 | September 03, 2010 at 04:39 PM
Disappointed has one 'S.' Huh, you would think if there was one word Celtics fans knew how to spell.
How's everybody doing this eve?
Posted by: phred | September 03, 2010 at 04:44 PM
Well I guess if you keep putting enough of these feel good stories out there about a super team that hasn't won anything yet, somebody may just buy it. Oh, and by the way, Vegas is filled with losers. Laker 2011, 2012, and 2013 Champions. You see, I can predict too. Didn't cost me anything either.
Posted by: LakerSunshine | September 03, 2010 at 04:57 PM
LENWOOD, WE CAN HEAR YOU JUST FINE WITHOUT THE SHOUTING!
Caps lock OFF brother. Off.
Posted by: puddle | September 03, 2010 at 05:00 PM
Methinks that LENWOOD HOLMES is a shout-talker, like George Lopez.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 03, 2010 at 05:05 PM
If that isn't wishful betting, I don't know what is! LAKERS WILL 3-PEAT!
Posted by: Laker Fan | September 03, 2010 at 05:05 PM
Please Old Hippy. What exactly is stimulating about an obscure betting sight picking the Heat to win an NBA championship? This post is about as interesting to Laker fans as knowing the brand of adult diapers Liza Minnelli wore on her '92 Eureopean tour.
Do you still have the pair she threw at you from the stage, BTW?
Wes
Posted by: wes | September 03, 2010 at 05:12 PM
phred: "Disappointed has one 'S.' Huh, you would think if there was one word Celtics fans knew how to spell."
Best Spelling Police post evah!
It's Glen Scotia time....
Posted by: 63 Footer | September 03, 2010 at 05:18 PM
Old Hippy,
We don't want or need 100% fluffy, happy-go-lucky Laker tories here all the time. Not at all. Most of us here were brought up by Chick Hearn who made a career of telling it like it is without regret. What we do demand are stories that Laker fans find interesting. It's no different than a person wanting a quality steak from Peter Lugar's steakhouse in Manhattan. This blog has attracted Laker fans from every inch of this earth, and to have one person refuse to understand the spirit of the blog is really a slap in the face to the community we've all built here.
But...I've promised myself to only engender good will from now on! So...good article?
Wes
Posted by: wes | September 03, 2010 at 05:26 PM
Hi Phred.
Wes
Posted by: wes | September 03, 2010 at 05:27 PM
I got my new stove today Phred, so now I only need to get a gas line installed to open the business.
Is everyone over at the other chat? A chat, btw, that didn't even exist 3 weeks ago.
Wes
Posted by: wes | September 03, 2010 at 05:30 PM
what we have here is a modern day ghost town.
Thanks Times!
Wes
Posted by: wes | September 03, 2010 at 05:39 PM
THE "10 REASONS WHY CELTICS WIN" ARTICLE IS SUCH A JOKE.
Posted by: eklon | September 03, 2010 at 05:46 PM
If you thinking this team is going to win next season championship, keep wishing. The Heat will get that @ss, know it.
Posted by: JUSTA HATER | September 03, 2010 at 05:49 PM
Heat . . . lay down money at your own peril.
Posted by: Otis | September 03, 2010 at 05:57 PM
If I had to bet it all - I take Celtics over Heat in the east.
Posted by: Otis | September 03, 2010 at 05:57 PM
Of course, I could just be an old drunk.
Posted by: Otis | September 03, 2010 at 05:58 PM
glad to hear the oven is getting fixed, wes.
old hippy- if you can't be nice, nobody will like you. Just sayin.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ2oXzrnti4
Thanks to AK for that one.
hey,
IT IS ALL ABOUT THE LOVE
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: phred | September 03, 2010 at 06:02 PM
IMHO, the director of that music video has him some mad skills. We knew the Specials were awesome, so that goes without saying.
Posted by: phred | September 03, 2010 at 06:05 PM
So the oddsmakers are choosing great talent over great talent, established chemistry, motivation to send PJ out in a winning note, and Kobe's motovation to match MJ with #6. I grasp the concept that in the end you need superstars to win it all and that the Cheat are loaded with 2.5 of them. Other than their superstars being younger than ours, what I don't understand is that we have players to make their superstars work hard for their points and they still don't match up well with us where it counts come NBA Finals time, and that is in the paint. Even if they have No Rings, Wade and Miler out there at the same time, we can defend Miller with Barnes. Mike Miller has not played well for 2 consecutive seasons, so I guess the thought is that Wade, No Rings and Bosh will make him better this season. Who knows.
Or
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | September 03, 2010 at 06:09 PM
... maybe David Stern has tipped someone off.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | September 03, 2010 at 06:10 PM
Phred,
I've loved this song since the 1st time you linked it. Great, weird vibe.
Wes
Posted by: wes | September 03, 2010 at 07:13 PM
Phred,
I've loved this song since the 1st time you linked it. Great, weird vibe.
Wes
Posted by: wes | September 03, 2010 at 07:13 PM
wes- AK first linked to that song, sometime last fall. Give him his props, he has some pop culture skills.
Posted by: phred | September 03, 2010 at 07:20 PM
Lenwood Holmes, they may have a lot of heart, but that does no good sitting on the bench, The odds are better than 50/50 that KG goes down again, or Shaq has a major injury, or Pierce goes down. Perkins will be tentative for the season opener, Rondo dropped out of USA basketball because of injury, and the list goes on and on. Even if everyone IS healthy, there another year older, and won't have home court in a series against Orlando, Chicago or Miami. Personally I don't see you getting out of the second round.
If it's any consolation , I hope you do win so we can beat you butts back to the stone age, and permanently shut up that cry baby winer Doc Rivers.
Posted by: tomK | September 03, 2010 at 07:26 PM
The odds of the BIG LEPER-CON going down are 1-5000. For every 5000 you bet you get 1. There is no way he plays 82 games.
Posted by: slimtata | September 03, 2010 at 10:46 PM
If Rivers really thinks his team can beat the LAKERS then he is channeling the wrong dwarf. Maybe instead of "Doc" they should call him "Dopey" Rivers because he certainly isn't "Bashful" about wanting to be "Happy" instead of what he is now...."Grumpy".
Posted by: slimtata | September 03, 2010 at 10:51 PM
That's why I love Vegas. They are always right.
Posted by: Heatnation | September 04, 2010 at 12:36 AM
I HATE Boston, but at 12-1, sure looks like a worthwhile investment. A hell of a lot better than the Heat at 7-4.
Posted by: MisterEd | September 04, 2010 at 12:40 AM
@HalosAnt It was the THIRD quarter. If it was the fourth quarter, I wouldn't be alive today.
Posted by: MisterEd | September 04, 2010 at 12:42 AM
The margin of difference between lakers' big men and inside game with the heat is alot less than the advantage the heat has -not only to the lakers but against any team in the league- with their perimeter game and combination of wade/LBJ. This is such a tremendous force never seen before that it will take the first three game -by losing- of the finals for the lakers to figure out an answer to this heat. Then, they will take game 4, and finally loose the series in game 5. Heat 4-1
Posted by: Heatnation | September 04, 2010 at 01:01 AM
lakers will win the title in june 2011 simplt because they have the most balanced starting five and a well balanced reserves. very good mngt and has the most number of fans in the whole world. the most impt is that they have the winningest coach in the league. GOO LAKERSS GOO! BEAT THE HEAT!! COOL THEM DOWNNNN!
Posted by: Rodolfo Mailim | September 04, 2010 at 04:04 AM
Man, I LOVE reading all these posts! Thanks for giving a dyed-in-the-wool Laker fan since the 1st Los Angeles title--listened to on my transistor radio, in bed when my folks thought I was asleep--some love from far, far away.
@tomK and @slimtata--perfect comments! And I agree with the many that the 3 UhMeEgos won't be in the Finals in June. Can't wait to whup some more green @ss (provided we stay healthy, of course) and hoist #17!
Posted by: Coach Tru | September 04, 2010 at 12:30 PM
Miami is a team you love to hate! Go Heat!
Posted by: Dee-Dee | September 04, 2010 at 02:41 PM
LAKERS WILL 3-PEAT!
Posted by: Laker Fan | September 04, 2010 at 05:35 PM
Clearly, the C's are hoping that the sheer number of big bodies and the savvy and experience of their Four will be enough to get over the hump. It's as if they believe they will be able to go right back to the second half of Game 7 in 7 weeks.
But the 2010-2011 season is no mulligan.
I still think the C's have enough to beat the Heat. But they haven't solved their fundamental problem. They only have two reliable shooters in Pierce and Allen, and both have very old legs. Unless Rondo improves his outside shot, the C's are likely to see the same result. This year's series would have been even shorter if Ray Allen hadn't shot the lights out in Game 2.
LA's made 3 straight Finals without Socks at 100%, winning 2 of them. (By the way, um, Doc? You haven't beaten LA's starting five in a playoff series either.) If Bynum is healthy, with the additions LA's made, I don't see anyone beating them in '11.
Posted by: Peace | September 04, 2010 at 09:37 PM
jump on the bandwagon lakers fans, thats all its about. just like the dallas and yankees fans. Please give us a break, if you dont live there or not born there why be a follower. I think its a crock of bull!
Posted by: reyes | September 05, 2010 at 02:58 AM
And i hate to have my car parked outside of staples arena if they do three peat. or i better have good insurance with all the LA Thugs around.
Posted by: reyes | September 05, 2010 at 03:02 AM
Miami Heat have the better team period. There is absolutely no way of stopping an offensive play from them, they will score at will and it will absolutely take more than just Kobe to score as much as Lebron, Wade, Bosh, Miller, House, etc. will... So please stop being naive
Posted by: Luis | September 05, 2010 at 11:39 AM
If i had to choose between Lakers and Heat.I'd go with the Lakers.Now if it was Celtics Lakers I go for Celtics.I want a rematch with the Lakers.Screw Miami they're not worthy enough to play in the Finals.Celtics Lakers Finals 2010-2011!!!
Posted by: Morgan | September 05, 2010 at 11:29 PM
Bets on who wins the NBA this season is very, very difficult.. If we want to find value looking at one of the slight underdogs is the best betting tip around this time - IMO.
Posted by: Bets | March 04, 2011 at 07:39 AM