LOS ANGELES, CA (The Spread) – After acquiring Steve Nash in a sign-and-trade on Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2013 NBA Finals odds have changed.
Heading into the week the Lakers were 10/1 to win the 2013 NBA Finals but oddsmakers now list Los Angeles’ futures at 7/1. They share the same odds as the San Antonio Spurs, while the defending NBA Finals champion Miami Heat are 5/2 to win next season. (Miami opened as an 11/4 favorite after winning the 2012 championship.)
As previously mentioned, the Lakers acquired Nash form the Suns in a sign-and-trade for future draft picks. They’re expected to pay Nash $28 million over the next three years and the price is worth it to a Los Angeles team that has coveted a point guard for some time. Nash will join superstar Kobe Bryant.
This was somewhat surprising news considering the Raptors were considered the favorites to land Nash, who turned 38 in February. The Lakers are believed to be giving up their 2013 and 2015 first-round picks, as well as their 2013 and 2014 second-round picks. The deal cannot become official until July 11, however.
In an interview on Thursday, Nash said that he has already talked to Lakers head coach Mike Brown about calling his own plays and running the offense for Los Angeles. Bryant should benefit from finally having a real point guard to play alongside.
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