Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James reportedly could return for the final few games of the regular season from the foot tendon injury he suffered on Feb. 26 against the Dallas Mavericks.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James hopes to make his return in the final few games of the regular season, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) March 23, 2023
The Lakers, who beat the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night, are currently the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference. Here’s how this LeBron report has impacted their odds to make the playoffs this season.
Lakers’ playoff odds for 2022-23 season
Will the Lakers make the playoffs this season?
Vegas has set the Lakers are -105 to make the postseason, an implied probability of 51.22 percent.
It’s likely that the team ends up in the play-in tournament, but winning potentially two games to make the final field could be tough, hence the -105 odds.
James has said himself that there isn’t a target date for his return, but the fact that the regular season is on the table is a great sign for the Lakers making a late postseason push.
https://twitter.com/KingJames/status/1638973233797160966
Los Angeles has been much better since the trade deadline with its new-look roster, and Austin Reaves, Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell have really stepped up in James’ absence.
Just with Davis and James alone, the Lakers could make some serious noise in the postseason… if they get there.
For fans wanting to bet on the Lakers to get into the playoff field, this may be your best chance to get any value. The Lakers are going to hang around this jumbled play-in field in the West, but once James does return the team’s odds will likely skyrocket to make the postseason.
As long as he remains out, there is value on the team since it is playing so well.
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Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.