LeBron James Miami Heat: What Are the Odds of an NBA Title Next Season?

And it's all over.

After weeks of speculation, LeBron plunged the proverbial dagger into the back of the entire city of Cleveland and signed with the Miami Heat.

Ouch, Cleveland.

Together, James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh feel like they can rack up title after title in South Beach. They did team up to bring home the Gold Medal in the 2008 Olympics, with Wade leading the team in scoring.

But does LeBron's arrival immediately make the Heat the favorites to win the NBA title? Click below to find out each team's odds of winning the title this coming season.

30. Los Angeles Clippers

If this were an annual column, the Clippers would be the only team who never moved up or down. Ever.

Look, the fact is the Clippers have never been committed to winning, and they probably never will with Donald Sterling as their owner.

Does Blake Griffin look excited to wear that jersey? Didn't think so.

I know the Clippers have a couple of really good young players in Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon, as well as a proven big man in Chris Kaman, but a title will simply never happen. Ever.

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 1,000 to 1

29. Minnesota Timberwolves

I know what you're thinking. How could I rank the Timberwolves so high on this list? Surely, they should be 30th.

Sorry, but the bottom spot is reserved for the Clippers. Period.

Anyways, this is a team with a lot of talent, but seemingly no five-year plan in place.

Last year, they drafted three point guards in the first round. This year, they left the draft with three small forwards. WHAT?!?

And no, I don't think the $20 million Darko Milicic deal will catapult them into the playoffs.

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 200 to 1.

28. Golden State Warriors

Ahhh, the Warriors. No one seems to have any idea what is going on with this franchise, especially their coach, Don Nelson.

The Warriors draft poorly, treat their die-hard fans poorly, and generally, play poorly.

I know that David Lee is coming to Golden State. I know that Stephen Curry had a great rookie season. And yes, I know that Monta Ellis can seemingly score at will. But none of this matters, because they are, in fact, the Warriors.

Despair springs eternal for this franchise. LeBron himself couldn't save Golden State (no matter who he brought along with him).

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 150 to 1.

27. New Jersey Nets

No Russian billionaire or hip-hop star could save the Nets from the bottom five of this list.

After winning a measly 12 games last season, Nets fans had some hope. A new (billionaire) owner, a new stadium around the corner, and $30 million to spend will do that to you.

But after whiffing on LeBron, Carlos Boozer, Rudy Gay, and just about everyone else they were targeting, I can't put the Nets any higher on this list.

Their biggest move thus far? Signing Travis Outlaw to a five-year, $35 million deal.

Woo-freaking-hoo.

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 140 to 1.

26. Toronto Raptors

Let's begin this slide with a moment of silence for all the Raptors fans.

Done.

Losing Chris Bosh hurts, but Toronto fans are used to it. It happened with Vince Carter and it happened with Tracy McGrady.

I'm sure they saw Bosh's departure coming a mile, or a kilometer, away.

There isn't much for Raptors fans to look forward to.

Hedo Turkoglu has been a massive bust and Jarrett Jack has a foot out the door.

They did draft Ed Davis out of UNC, who should be a decent replacement for Bosh.

But title chances? I'd be surprised if this team won 32 games next year.

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 125 to 1.

25. Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers certainly took a step in the right direction in the 2010 draft, taking Evan Turner with the second overall pick. But don't let that fool you: this is a broken team that doesn't have a quick fix on the horizon.

Philadelphia has a lot of money locked up in Elton Brand and Andre Iguodala, two players that I'm fairly positive you can't build a team around.

Turner likes to dominate the basketball, as does Iguodala. I don't see this tandem working out, and I certainly don't see the playoffs in the 76ers' immediate future, either.

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL: 100 to 1.

24. New Orleans Hornets

The Hornets are looking like a disaster.

Chris Paul's name keeps coming up in trade rumors, Peja Stojakavic isn't getting any younger, and Emeka Okafor was no substitute for Tyson Chandler last season.

With the exceptions of Paul and Darren Collison, this is an old roster that doesn't seem to be going in the right direction. A sub-par draft didn't help, either.

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 90 to 1.

23. Detroit Pistons

Is there anyone on Detroit's roster that genuinely excites you as a basketball fan? Didn't think so.

This is a team with a lot of talent, but no true number-one scoring option. Ben Gordon is a solid player, but is not a star. Ditto for Rip Hamilton.

If you add a superstar to this roster, you may have championship hopes, but without one, you're stuck in the mud.

The Pistons whiffed in their attempts to bring in A'mare Stoudemire and Chris Bosh via sign-and-trade deals.

With no more huge names left on the market, their championship hopes are slim at best.

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 80 to 1.

22. Sacramento Kings

Don't let the low ranking disappoint you, Kings fans. Your team is indeed going in the right direction.

With a young nucleus of Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans, Omri Casspi, and rookie DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento has made it clear that losing is not something to take lightly.

They did strike out in free agency this year, but guess what? There's always 2011.

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 75 to 1.

21. New York Knicks

Signing A'mare Stoudemire was a good move.

Scratch that: it was a GREAT move. A'mare will probably equal eight more wins for New York this season. But is that good enough for Knicks fans? I think not.

Look, A'mare will be good, and the Knicks will be better. Maybe even good enough to make the playoffs. But whiffing on LeBron means the entire offseason is a failure.

This team has high hopes, but I have realism. Realism beats hope (usually).

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT SEASON: 70 to 1.

20. Washington Wizards

Here's a simple equation: one struggling franchise + one John Wall = hype, hope, and hysteria.

John Wall has brought excitement back to our nation's capital.

Maybe as much as Stephen Strasburg has. But don't get it twisted: this team is full of problems.

There is a certain someone who found himself on the wrong end of a gun incident last season, and that certain someone is still on Washington's roster.

Add to the fact that that certain someone loves to have the ball in his hands (like John Wall does), and you might have a problem.

Luckily, this isn't the worst problem to have. You could be Cleveland.

Too soon?

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 70 to 1.

19. Indiana Pacers

As I write this slide, I'm thinking that the Pacers should be lower on this list.

I don't know how Indiana managed to win 32 games last season. Seriously, Jim O'Brien should have been a Coach of the Year candidate for that alone.

Danny Granger is a stud at small forward, but beyond him, I can't really find much to be excited about on this roster.

The Pacers took a big risk in drafting Paul George with the 10th pick, but he could end up being a star-in-the-making.

One problem: now the Pacers' two best players are both small forwards. Might be OK, but I never like loading up one position when you have so many holes to fill. Beating last season's win total may end up being very difficult.

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 65 to 1.

18. Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies used to be the laughing stock of the NBA.

Those days are gone now, thanks in large part to O.J. Mayo, Rudy Gay, Marc Gasol, and Zach Randolph. That's a pretty good young core, don't you think?

The Grizzlies quietly won 40 games last season in the uber-competitive Western Conference.

Since they didn't make the playoffs, though, they were awarded a draft pick, and they chose wisely, taking Kansas' Xavier Henry with the 12th pick.

Memphis is a team on the rise. A playoff berth isn't out of reach, but a championship most certainly is.

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 55 to 1.

17. Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks surprised a lot of people last year, winning 46 games and almost getting through the first round of the playoffs.

Brandon Jennings was incredibly impressive as a rookie and Scott Skiles proved he is an elite NBA coach.

Milwaukee also made quite a splash in free agency, locking up John Salmons and Drew Gooden to five-year deals.

While they may not be the most flashy names, they are solid players who can and will get the job done.

Despite all of this positivity, I think Milwaukee is one great player away from being a championship-caliber team. They are a team on the rise, though, and I would not want to see them in the first round of the playoffs next year.

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 50 to 1.

16. Houston Rockets

Despite a slew of injuries last season, the Rockets managed to finish the season over .500.

They just missed out on a playoff berth, but Rick Adelman did his job as a coach, and he did it really, really well.

A healthy Yao Ming should go a long way in getting the Rockets to 50 wins. But, if Luis Scola leaves, Houston may have trouble getting to the playoffs, period.

Aaron Brooks is a player on the rise, and he should be able to carry Houston on his back. But he's not strong enough to bring them too far.

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 45 to 1.

15. Charlotte Bobcats

Well, Larry Brown is up to his old tricks once again. He turned an ordinary roster into a mean, defensive-minded team.

And guess what? He managed to lead them to the playoffs, too.

Charlotte doesn't wow you with high-powered offense, three-point barrages, or highlight-reel dunks, but they don't have to.

Gerald Wallace, Tyson Chandler, and Stephen Jackson bring great energy and leadership to this young squad.

If the Bobcats can manage to hold onto Raymond Felton, they could make some noise in the playoffs next year.

But a championship is still a long way away.

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 40 to 1.

14. Chicago Bulls

Well, so much for the big-name free agents heading to the Windy City.

While Chicago struck out with LeBron, Wade, and Bosh, they did quietly pick up All-Star Carlos Boozer.

With a solid core of Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Carlos Boozer, Taj Gibson, and Luol Deng, the Bulls are clearly a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference.

With Rose leading, the Bulls are a team to avoid in the first round of the playoffs in 2011.

But a championship? That's a stretch.

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 35 to 1.

13. Cleveland Cavaliers

Let me be the first to say it: I'm sorry for your loss, Cleveland.

Losing LeBron James is like losing a limb. I know the fans feel like jumping ship, but hear me out first.

This a team full of experience.

Antawn Jamison, Mo Williams, Delonte West, and Anderson Varejao have a lot of playoff games under their belts, and won't go down without a fight. Plus they picked up Byron Scott to coach, which, in my opinion, is definitely an upgrade over Mike Brown.

Playoffs, yes. Championship? No way, Jose.

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 35 to 1.

12. Portland Trailblazers

It seems like every year, hope springs eternal for Portland. It always seems to be the team that's "one step away" from getting over the hump.

Guess what? I'm not buying it.

Yes, Portland's roster is overflowing with young, talented players like Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Nicolas Batum.

But what have these guys proven? Squat, that's what.

When Portland makes a deep playoff run, wake me up. Until then? Don't believe the hype.

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 30 to 1.

11. Atlanta Hawks

Congratulations, Hawks fans. You get six more years of Joe Johnson!

After his abysmal playoff performance, Atlanta rewarded Johnson with a max deal. Was this a good move? Some say yes, but I say no.

Look, Atlanta is certainly a solid team. Its frontcourt is deadly, and it never really have any trouble scoring.

But with an aging Mike Bibby at point, and a history of playoff screw-ups, I'm not buying Atlanta as a championship-quality team.

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 30 to 1.

10. Denver Nuggets

Oops, they did it again. The Nuggets burned out in the playoffs again last season, this time in entirely unimpressive fashion.

Every year, Denver boasts one of the most talented rosters in the NBA, and every year, they disappoint in the postseason.

Sometimes it's attitude issues, sometimes it's boneheaded plays down the clutch. But it's always something.

Here's a thought: maybe it's George Karl. Just throwing it out there.

Their talent alone puts them at the 10 spot.

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 22 to 1.

9. San Antonio Spurs

Here's something you probably already knew: The San Antonio Spurs are getting old. Like, really, really old.

Tony Parker, Manu Ginobli, and Tim Duncan have a lot of minutes played between the three of them, and Antonio McDyess isn't getting any younger, either.

They do have some good young talent on their roster in George Hill and DeJuan Blair (plus a great draft pick in James Anderson), but these players are not good enough to carry a team.

This may be San Antonio's last chance.

If this is Tim Duncan's last hurrah, it's been a great ride.

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 18 to 1.

8. Oklahoma City Thunder

With all the free-agency madness going on, Kevin Durant, once again, managed to fly under-the-radar.

He inked a five-year, $86 million extension, guaranteeing the Thunder will remain relevant for the next half of a decade.

The Thunder are the best young team in the NBA, hands down. Their talented nucleus of Durant, Russell Westbrook, Jeff Green, and Serge Ibaka should be good for years to come.

I wouldn't have been shocked if Oklahoma City knocked off the Lakers this year (which they almost did), and I won't be shocked if they knock them off next year.

Do not sleep on the Thunder.

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 15 to 1.

7. Utah Jazz

Well, here they are again. The perennial contender that always ends up on the outside looking in. Ladies and gentlemen, the Utah Jazz!

Losing Carlos Boozer certainly hurts, but it's not the end of the world for Utah. But Paul Millsap and a (hopefully) healthy Mehmet Okur should be able to fill the void.

And while it looks like Kyle Korver is on his way out, NCAA tournament hero Gordon Hayward should be able to fill his shoes (and maybe even a little more).

I'm not buying them as a championship favorite, but with Deron Williams running the show, I wouldn't count them out, either.

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 13 to 1.

6. Dallas Mavericks

Did you feel that giant gust of wind just now?

That was the entire city of Dallas exhaling, thankful that Dirk Nowitzki resigned with the Mavs.

No Dirk would have meant no hope for Dallas. But Dirk, along with Jason Kidd, Shawn Marion, Caron Butler, and Jason Terry, will scare the daylights out of every team in the west.

These guys are hungry.

Mark Cuban is spending money like water.

I know they're old, but boy, are they good. I would not want to be the guy guarding Dirk in the playoffs.

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 10 to 1.

5. Phoenix Suns

Yes, I am aware that Amar'e Stoudemire is no longer a Sun. And yes, I am aware that Steve Nash is really, really old. But I simply don't care.

I LOVE this team, and I would be very afraid of them if I were the Lakers.

With Steve Nash, Phoenix is great.

You could put almost anyone around him and he could eek 45 wins out of them.

But the group they have now is motivated, tough, and better than you think.

They may not be as flashy as they were in years past, but these Suns are good. Don't be shocked if they end up in the Finals.

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 10 to 1.

4. Miami Heat

What?!? The Heat are only fourth on this list? BLASPHEMY!!!

Let me explain my reasoning here.

First of all, let's count on one finger how many titles Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh have combined. Good.

Second, let's crunch some numbers. If all of the "new big three" sign max deals, there will be very little cash left to fill out an entire roster.

Third, let's think about shots. Are there enough to go around?

Will Wade be willing to play second fiddle to LeBron, or vice versa?

Will Chris Bosh be jealous of all the attention Wade and James get?

Don't get me wrong: this is a scary trio to face.

I just can't give them the title until I see the rest of the roster, and see what kind of chemistry they have.

Let's all just take a deep breath and get ready for some fireworks.

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 6 to 1.

3. Boston Celtics

The Celtics are old. Real old. Like, senior discount at Denny's old.

But they're good. Real good. Like, this close to winning a second championship good.

I don't think too many people thought Boston would get within one game of a title when the playoffs started this season, but they did. And they can do it again.

Boston just re-signed Ray Allen for two more years, and although Rasheed Wallace is retiring, Jermaine O'Neal looks like he's headed to Boston.

I've got faith in Pierce, Garnett, and Allen, but I've got even more faith in Rondo and Doc Rivers.

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 5 to 1.

2. Orlando Magic

Some thought the Magic would take a big step back without Hedo Turkoglu this season, but that wasn't the case.

Vince Carter did an admirable job filling in for him, and I'm confident he'll do the same next season.

Another year of playoff experience for Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson should do wonders for this team.

If Rashard Lewis can get his act together, and as long as the defense continues to play at an elite level, I feel confident in saying the Magic are the front-runner to get to the Finals out of the East.

Did I mention that they have the most underrated coach in the NBA in Stan Van Gundy?

That makes a difference too.

Just ask the Lakers.

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 7 to 2.

1. Los Angeles Lakers

I'm going to guess that this pick doesn't shock anyone.

Two in a row and counting, Kobe and company still look to be hungry. Phil Jackson doesn't even have enough fingers for all of his rings. I'm not going to speculate on where he put number 11, but one thing's for sure: he wants another.

Ron Artest turned out to be the right choice. Derek Fisher showed there's still a little left in the tank. And I couldn't ask for more out of the Lakers' bench. And that Pau Gasol guy? Might be the most underrated player in the NBA.

EVAN'S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR: 2 to 1.