CLEVELAND, CA - JUN 8: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors in Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals won 108-85 by the Golden State Warriors over the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Quicken Loans Arena on June 6, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)Chris Elise/Getty Images

LeBron James Odds: Lakers Heavy Betting Favorites to Land Star in FA; Cavs 2nd

Alec NathanJun 21, 2018

The Los Angeles Lakers are suddenly heavy betting favorites to sign LeBron James this summer.

According to updated odds relayed by Bovada (via OddsShark) on Thursday, the Lakers are now -325 (bet $325 to win $100) to land James.

Nine days ago, BetOnline.ag (via OddsShark) had the Lakers as the favorites with even odds.

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The Cleveland Cavaliers are listed as the second choice at +325 (bet $100 to win $325), while the Houston Rockets are third at +750.

James has until June 29 to make a decision on his $35.6 million player option for the 2018-19 season. If he declines it, as expected, he will become an unrestricted free agent July 1.

Naturally, James has not commented on his potential trip to the open market.

However, ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith (h/t ClutchFans) said earlier this week that he spoke to sources who said Rockets point guard Chris Paul—one of James' close friends—has indicated LeBron isn't interested in Houston and would prefer to sign with the Lakers.

"Chris Paul is telling folks LeBron ain't trying to come to Houston, he wants to be in L.A.," Smith said.

As for the Cavaliers, Cleveland.com's Joe Vardon reported James and the club "have been in contact over the phone and in person, though there has been no meeting with James present, nor has there been any real dialogue as far as James' future is concerned."