Who Needs LeBron? NBA Playoffs Down to Final Four | IXGAMES

All anyone seems to want to talk about in the NBA these days is LeBron James and where he will sign as a free agent this summer. And, sure, you can bet on that at Bodog’s NBA odds. But there are also four teams still playing in the Association’s postseason, including both clubs from last year’s NBA Finals. Los Angeles Lakers as favorite With the Cavaliers out, the Los Angeles Lakers are now the favorite on Bodog’s NBA playoff odds to win the title again this season. Kobe Bryant is playing through a knee injury as he tries to win his fifth ring and lead L.A. to the first repeat championship in the league since the Lakers did it in 2001 and 2002. Coach Phil Jackson may well retire after this season or go somewhere else, so this could be the end of the Lakers’ dominance out West. Suns first NBA title ? The Phoenix Suns finally solved the San Antonio Spurs in the playoffs and will try to oust the Lakers in the West Finals – the Suns haven’t been to the NBA Finals since Charles Barkley and Co. lost to Michael Jordan and the Bulls in 1993. The Suns franchise has never won the NBA title, and Phoenix may look a lot different next season if Amare Stoudemire leaves. It could be now or never. Boston Celtics aging team In the East, the Boston Celtics shocked the Cavaliers in the East semifinals and they look again like the team that beat the Lakers for the championship in 2008. With aging Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, the Celtics’ title window might close shut after this season. It could be now or never for them too. Orlando Magic going strong And the hottest team in the NBA for more than a month has been the Orlando Magic, the East champs last season. They were able to beat the Celtics in seven games in last year’s playoffs but have yet to win an NBA title in their history. Is this the year Dwight Howard and Vince Carter get their first rings? The Magic are second-favorites on Bodog’s NBA playoff odds to win the title, but those odds have changed somewhat since Orlando lost Game 1 to Boston. Who brings home the title before the great free agent summer class possibly shifts the balance of power in the NBA? Test your skills with bodog and NBA.