Breaking: Grayson High’s Tyler Atkinson, No. 1 prospect in Georgia, commits to Texas
Sports
Sports

Lakers’ 2019 NBA title odds jump after landing LeBron James

LeBron James reacts as he exits the game in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland.

Credit: Jason Miller

Credit: Jason Miller

LeBron James reacts as he exits the game in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland.
By Juliakate E Culpepper
July 2, 2018

After Sunday's announcement of the signing of LeBron James to a four-year, $153.3 million contract, the Los Angeles' odds to win the 2019 NBA title jumped.

According to Las Vegas’ Westgate SuperBook, the Lakers have 9-2 odds with James on the roster compared to the 20-1 odds the team opened with on June 2.

After James opted out of his contract on Friday, the Lakers’ 2019 title odds rose to 8-1 odds.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, where James spent the past four years, plummeted to 500-1 Sunday after James committed to the Lakers from 12-1 before James informed the Cavaliers he wouldn’t exercise his $35.6 million option.

About the Author

Juliakate E Culpepper
More Stories

Keep Reading

Malachi Washington, who participated in Saturday’s High School Home Run Derby at Truist Park, jumped at the opportunity to participate in the event after receiving an email from MLB. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Parkview’s Malachi Washington competes in High School Home Run Derby

The Georgia native, who participated in Saturday’s High School Home Run Derby, hit seven home runs in the first round and added two in the second.

Why Georgia native Whit Weeks is the ‘driver’ of LSU’s defense

Weeks's father was a former Bulldogs’ offensive lineman and his two brothers also play at LSU. Some believe he could help LSU could win the national championship.

Mill Creek’s Daniel Pierce drafted No. 14 overall by Tampa Bay Rays

Daniel Pierce was immediately mobbed by friends and family when the Tampa Bay Rays selected him with the No. 14 overall pick in the MLB Draft on Sunday.

The Latest

Braves first baseman Matt Olson, bummed but still smiling.

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC

Sports Daily: The Derby, by the numbers

Atlanta TV sports listings

Parkview’s Malachi Washington competes in High School Home Run Derby

Featured

Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC

Bright lights, big stage: Atlanta readies for the All-Star Game spotlight

The Braves, Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta have been preparing for the MLB All-Star Game for years, and all will be the epicenter of the baseball world Tuesday night.

The CBS split from Atlanta News First could preview other big TV changes

TV station owners are having to adapt as viewing habits change and viewership declines.

Grayson High’s Tyler Atkinson, No. 1 prospect in Georgia, commits to Texas

Grayson High’s Tyler Atkinson, the top-ranked linebacker in the nation, has committed to Texas, turning down UGA’s long-standing pursuit.

53m ago