Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Would the Center Improve the Lakers' Title Odds?

Is Dwight Howard going to remain with the Orlando Magic for the 2012-13 NBA season? Every day there seem to be different rumors floating around.

It seems the Los Angeles Lakers are his choice now, but ESPN's Chris Broussard says that the deal is not as close as you may think to getting finalized.

Figures.

It appears the Magic can't decide what they want to do with a player who clearly does not want to stay in Orlando.

While teams fight for the six-time All-Star, it is the betting world that is being turned upside down by all of these rumors.

Many gamblers believe it is only a matter of time before the Lakers seal the deal on Howard and, as a result, win the 2012-13 NBA championship.

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“They’re the most bet on by far,” Cantor Gaming sportsbook director Mike Colbert told Covers.com. Right now we’ve got 270 tickets on the Lakers to win and 77 on the second most-bet team.”

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The Lakers have been busy this offseason, landing two-time MVP Steve Nash, and Antawn Jamison, a player who has averaged 19.5 points per game throughout his 14-year career.

According to 5dimes.eu, the Miami Heat are still the overwhelming favorites to win it all next season, with the rest of the field getting -225 odds. But if Howard moves to Los Angeles, the Lakers would likely be a close second as far as betting odds are concerned.

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“I’d say the Lakers chances of getting Howard are a little better than 50/50,” Colbert said. “Just doesn’t seem like there’s another team that makes sense for him to land with.”

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If the Lakers land Howard, gamblers across the country will continue to put big money down.