Los Angeles Lakers Defy 150-1 Odds to Make 2026 Playoffs After Rough Regular Season Finish

The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2026 playoffs as 150-1 long shots to win the NBA Finals after a dismal end to the regular season and key injuries to leading scorers Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, but have since vaulted to 35-1 for the title following two victories to open their first-round series against the Houston Rockets.

The Lakers’ turnaround comes after a poor regular season finish and significant absences, with Doncic sidelined by a left hamstring injury and Reaves dealing with an oblique issue. Despite these challenges, LeBron James and the Lakers secured two early wins against Houston, shifting their championship outlook dramatically.

At the top of the odds board, the Oklahoma City Thunder achieved odds-on status after their Game 1 thrashing of the Phoenix Suns and are now -120 for the title. The Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs both lengthened from +550 to +650 following Game 2 losses to the Philadelphia 76ers and Portland Trail Blazers, respectively.

The Spurs entered the playoffs at +500 and were considered a serious sportsbook liability, prompting bettors to monitor the concussion suffered by superstar Victor Wembanyama. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets saw their title odds lengthen to 11-1 from +900 pre-playoffs after dropping Game 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who were 100-1 entering the fray and are now 90-1 approaching Game 3.

The Lakers were 12-1 to win the 2026 Finals at their peak and remain one of the largest liabilities across the sportsbook marketplace, with BetMGM, Caesars and DraftKings all reporting significant action backing the 17-time champions. Their odds could shorten further if Doncic or Reaves are able to return, with Reaves reportedly a possibility by the end of the first round.

The Rockets, by contrast, fell to 300-1 after entering the postseason around 60-1, reflecting the impact of the Lakers’ unexpected early success in the series.