Last week came the news of earthquakes and aftershocks in Los Angeles. While that was in regards to actual scientific activities another bigger earthquake took place. Kawhi Leonard rejected the Los Angeles Lakers. Instead he signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. Further, Paul George was traded by Oklahoma City to the Clippers. As a result, the NBA betting aftershocks will be felt for years to come. LeBron James is known as “King.” Because of these moves James may not even be king of Los Angeles. In fact, it’s looking more apparent that the Lakers got played.
2019 NBA Free Agency and Trades
| Date and Time: | Season opens October 2019 |
|---|
| Teams | Odds | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Clippers | 7/2 | ||
| Los Angeles Lakers | 4/1 | ||
| Milwaukee Bucks | 6/1 | ||
| Philadelphia 76ers | 15/1 | ||
| Golden State Warriors | 15/1 | ||
| Houston Rockets | 20/1 | ||
| Utah Jazz | 20/1 | ||
| Boston Celtics | 25/1 | ||
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LA’s REAL Earthquake
At the beginning of last week Kawhi was said to be choosing between the Lakers and Toronto. When he returned to Ontario, he had a long talk with the Raptors and got a massive offer. Yet the pull of coming home to Southern California was too much. Leonard secretly convinced George to join him. Meanwhile the Lakers were holding up their budget to sign Leonard. Only to have it all blow up in their face. King James and Co. are stuck with leftovers. By contrast the Clippers are favored to win the 2020 NBA title.
Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi arrives fresh off the NBA title with Toronto. Accordingly, he was Most Valuable Player of the NBA Finals. Leonard played college ball at nearby San Diego State. Last year he averaged 26.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. In the playoffs he stepped up his game with 30.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per outing. Leonard missed most of 2017-18 at San Antonio. His last two full seasons saw averages of over 25 points per game. Also impressive was Kawhi’s 85.4% mark on free throws in 2018-19. He hit three pointers at a 37.1 percent rate.
Paul George
Paul George adds to the Clippers NBA betting appeal. Consider George’s 28 points and 8.2 rebounds per game last season for the Oklahoma City Thunder. George has averaged 22 or more points per game the past four seasons. His three-point range was 38.6 percent in 2018-19. Further resume enhancement includes 2019 All NBA First team and All Defensive Team.
Golden State Retains Thompson
Having lost Kevin Durant to Brooklyn, Golden State had to shore up what was left of their roster. In this situation the Warriors had to retain Klay Thompson. Thompson averaged 21.5 points per game last season. Consistent with that was 20.7 points per tilt in the playoffs. Thompson hit 40.2 percent of his three-point shots last season.
Magic’s Man Nikola Vucevic
Orlando remains an online wagering contender thanks to retaining Nikola Vucevic. Last year Vucevic averaged a career best 20.8 points and 12 rebounds per game. His three-point range was 36.4 percent.
Matchup to Watch
In this situation the ultimate NBA betting matchup is the Lakers vs. Clippers. Kawhi and George have made LA’s “other” team THE Team in town. By reason of recent events the Clippers dunked all over the Lakers!
NBA Betting Online Pick: Los Angeles Clippers to win the Pacific Division
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