The week in NBA: LeBron-inspired Lakers on the way up

However, his consistency is now starting to rub off on his LA team-mates. They’re 14/1 to take the Western Conference.

But do you fancy King James at 9/2 for regular season MVP?

Losers

Cleveland Cavaliers

It’s hard not to be back in the losers circle after three successive defeats.

The Cavs relinquished a nine point lead to Orlando Magic on Tuesday to lose by 99-98.

Then they only managed 86 points in a loss against a Russell Westbrook-less Oklahoma City Thunder.

After losing narrowly to the Chicago Bulls, a win over the Charlotte Hornets or the lowly-Washington Wizards is vital.

Rajon Rondo

This one will be short. The Lakers may have beaten Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, but Rondo’s dramatic flop could have won him an Oscar.

After getting palmed off at a restart from Derrick Rose, Rondo collapsed backwards in theatrical fashion.

He got the foul and a roar of laughter from the crowd but hasn’t featured in the Lakers starting five since.

Big Talking Point

Jimmy Butler has finally made his move to the Philadelphia 76ers. Butler had been picking a choosing his game time for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

He last starred with 24 points in the defeat to the Lakers before sealing a move to the Sixers this week.

Butler joins an elite cast of all-star centre Joel Embiid and point-guard Ben Simmons in Philly.

This move coupled with the absence of LeBron James from the league has seen the Sixers become real contenders.

They are now just 7/2 for the Eastern Conference championship.

Upcoming games

Pick of the bunch from Tuesday 13th November

Orlando Magic @ Washington Wizards – Magic to win +7.5 20/21

Philadelphia 76ers @ Miami Heat – 76ers to win 11/4

New Orleans Pelicans @ Toronto Raptors – Raptors to win -9.5 10/11

Dallas Mavericks @ Chicago Bulls – Under 109 first half points 20/23

Brooklyn Nets @ Minnesota Timberwolves – Nets to win 13/10

Golden State Warriors @ LA Clippers – GSW to win 5/6

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