🔥 2025 NBA Title Odds: Lakers Are the Public’s Pick, But Thunder & Celtics Lead the Way

As the NBA Playoffs 2025 tip off, the race for the Larry O’Brien Trophy is tighter than ever — but the smart money and the public couldn’t be more divided.

🏆 2025 NBA Championship Favorites (via ESPN BET Odds)

• Oklahoma City Thunder: +180

• Boston Celtics: +190

• Cleveland Cavaliers: +575

• Los Angeles Lakers: +1300

• Golden State Warriors: +1500

• Denver Nuggets: +3000

💸 Where the Betting Money Is Going

Despite sitting fourth in the title odds, the Lakers are dominating sportsbooks with a flood of public bets:

ESPN BET

• 📊 16.7% of all bets

• 💰 19.5% of all money

Since the Luka Doncic Trade

• 🧨 27.6% of betting handle

• 📈 23.9% of bets

Other Major Books

• FanDuel: 27% of all money on Lakers

• BetMGM: Lakers are the second-largest liability

“It’s the Lakers and then everyone else.” — Adrian Horton, ESPN BET director

🔥 Why the Lakers?

The blockbuster Luka Doncic trade on February 1 changed everything. Paired with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, LA instantly became the hottest ticket in NBA betting — and their strong post-trade record is fueling even more belief.

📈 Biggest Movers in 2025 NBA Title Odds

• Cavaliers: +4000 → +575 (Now East’s #1 seed)

• Rockets: +10000 → +8000

• Pistons: +1000 → +250 — 3rd biggest liability at BetMGM

• Warriors: Steady at +1500

• Nuggets: Dropped to +3000 but still getting bets

🧠 Final Thought

The betting experts are backing Oklahoma City Thunder and Boston Celtics to meet in the Finals — but the fans are putting their money on Lakers magic, powered by Luka and LeBron.

Is this the start of a new Lakers dynasty — or just another hype cycle?

Stay tuned.