Photo Credit: Associated Press

How Two Free Agents Shook Up The Betting Industry

Last week, DeMarcus Cousins signed a one-year, $5.3 million deal with the back-to-back Champions, the Golden State Warriors.

Just when we thought the West would become competitive again, after LeBron signed with the Lakers, another All-Star joined the Dubs. When Cousins returns from his injury, Golden State will have a starting five, solely consisting out of All-Stars.

This signing didn’t only shock fans and NBA teams, but also plenty of bookies and bettors. You see, with the Supreme Court clearing the way for states to legalize sports gambling, the betting industry has become more powerful than ever. NBA bets are especially popular, and for a brief moment after LeBron James signed with the Lakers, bettors could wager on the Warriors to win the 2019 NBA title at around even money (-100). Many will want to take advantage of the Lakers recent boost and place an early wager for the 2019 championship, so see which sportsbook ranks highest here from editor and personal reviews.

Los Angeles suddenly seemed like a viable threat to the Golden State dynasty and jumped all the way to +500. (LeBron has been to seven straight finals after all.) But then the Lakers augmented their roster with Lance Stephenson and Javale McGee while the Warriors nabbed DeMarcus Cousins. Those moves sent the odds back whence they came, and now Golden State is -175 and the Lakers are +650, behind both Boston (+500) and Houston (+600). In reality, the Lakers’ odds would be longer if not for the significant possibility that they bring in more All-NBA level talent, specifically Kawhi Leonard.

It’s always hard to predict free-agent signings and trades. This makes betting on a potential champion even harder and riskier, but that’s half the fun, isn’t it?!

Credit: ESPN