Lakers Remain NBA Favorites With or Without Chris Paul

The Los Angeles Lakers had a deal to land the No. 1 point guard in the NBA last week before it was shockingly ripped off the table by league commissioner David Stern.

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Despite the growing controversy, and the fact that Los Angeles may not have Chris Paul on their roster when they tip off for their Dec. 25 debut against the Chicago Bulls, the Lakers remain one of the favorites on the NBA odds board, a testament to the LA Lakers legitimacy as a league force.

With Kobe Bryant back in action, desperate to avenge a 2011 postseason loss to the eventual champion Dallas Mavericks, anything can happen. In fact, it’s that Mavs’ victory last spring that has renewed hope for Los Angeles on the NBA betting board in the first place.

Now that the weakness of the Miami Heat’s Big Three has been exposed, a veteran squad like the Lakers is more than capable of contending for a championship. The NBA odds board reflects such a revelation.

If the Dirk Nowitzki-powered contingent of veterans could do it, then certainly five-time champion Bryant and the well-rounded Lakers can.

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