Oddsmakers pick Lakers as faves

The oddsmakers have let their opinion be heard, and they like the Lakers to repeat as NBA champions in 2010: (http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-odom-lakers-28-2009jul28,0,2985902.story)At MGM/Mirage, the Lakers are an 8-5 favorite to win the NBA title, followed by the Boston Celtics, and recent addition Rasheed Wallace, at 3-1, and the Cleveland Cavaliers, with Shaquille O'Neal joining LeBron James, at nearly 4-1. The Orlando Magic are 13-2 and the San Antonio Spurs are 7-1."We didn't change anything when they got Artest, and if they lose Odom it'll just be a wash," said Jay Kornegay, executive director of the Las Vegas Hilton's Race and Sports book, which has the Lakers as the 2-1 favorite over the 3-1 Cavaliers and 5-1 Celtics."Odom's a component, but he's not a star. As that team has already shown, if they lose someone, they'll find someone else."Those who assess these situations, with millions of dollars on the line, believe the possible loss of Odom will not diminish support for what is essentially Las Vegas' hometown team.So why change the Lakers' odds to 3-1 or 4-1 when the betting action supporting the team is already intense?"The public has shown they'll support the Lakers and the team proved last season they can get by without a big man," Rood said, referring to the injury absence of center Andrew Bynum. "And the return of Bynum is another big thing for that team, that makes them so much more dangerous." Not that anyone should put too much stock into this, as health plays as big a role as any. But it's funny to see Andrew Bynum's name appearing once again as a key reason as to why they're favorites. Personally, I think they'd be the front-runners WITHOUT Bynum. And I don't think Bynum is all that, anyway.