Lakers' 2023 NBA Title Odds Surge After Kyrie Irving's Reported Trade Request

Las Vegas seems to be banking on Kyrie Irving ending up with the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the Feb. 9 trade deadline.

Per FanDuel Sportsbook, the Lakers' odds to win the 2022-23 NBA title are currently at +3000 (bet $100 to win $3,000).

While those odds are only the 13th-best overall, it represents a dramatic improvement over the +5000 line they had before Irving requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets.

The New Orleans Pelicans (+2500) are the only sub-.500 team with better title odds than the Lakers, with the recent return of Brandon Ingram from injury and Zion Williamson's anticipated return a likely reason for that optimism.

Per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Irving made his request after balking at the Nets' attempt to offer him a contract extension that wasn't fully guaranteed in the final season.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski noted the Lakers and Phoenix Suns have already expressed interest in Irving, with the Dallas Mavericks expected to enter the fray soon.

LeBron James seemed to be sending a not-so-subtle hint to general manager Rob Pelinka and the Lakers' front office on Twitter after word of Irving's request became public.

When Irving was trying to find a long-term contract in a sign-and-trade deal over the summer, Wojnarowski reported the Lakers were the only team known to be pursuing the eight-time All-Star.

No deal materialized because the Nets had "no interest" in what the Lakers were offering in return, per Wojnarowski.

If any team is going to bet on Irving being the missing piece for them this season, the Lakers certainly seem the most likely. They're desperate enough with James still playing great at 38 years old and Anthony Davis performing like an MVP candidate when healthy.

It's unclear if the Lakers could put together a package that's good enough to entice the Nets, but Pelinka has an opportunity that didn't seem like it was going to be available before the trade deadline.

Irving is a questionable presence to add to any locker room. Just this season, he was suspended for eight games for promoting an antisemitic film on his social media and then initially failing to apologize or condemn antisemitism. But as one of the most dynamic offensive players in the NBA who is averaging 27.1 points, 5.3 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game in 40 starts for the Nets this season, it's clear teams will have interest.