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[cj]

Originally Posted by lansdale

Right -- I'm not putting them in the Finals, just saying they have an outside shot now vs. 0 without AD. I think most would agree, though, that considering the sad developments with GSW in the past week, the AD move, and FA action still to come, the NBA West is more wide-open this year than it's been in awhile. And I think this move may shift the center of gravity in the league to LA for FAs and vet min. salary role-players making decisions about where they want to go next year, which will help w/depth. If Kemba does end up there (though I read he wants to stay in NC), I think they do become a lock in the west.

Regardless, Lakers are now a lukewarm 7/2 favorite on the Vegas line to win the championship. In fact, for anyone who bets NBA Futures, the current line appears to be the worst I've ever seen -- west teams at much lower odds than warranted, imho. I think it's almost free money to fade the west and dutch the top three east teams (TOR, SIXERS, BUCKS) to win the title.

Agree with all of that. The top of the East is stronger at this point.