Walker Kessler trade improves Los Angeles Lakers' title odds

Only a day after the Los Angeles Lakers learned that LeBron James wouldn’t be returning as a free agent, Los Angeles acquired center Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz.

Los Angeles gave up two unprotected first-round picks (2013, 2033) and pick swaps in 2028 and 2030 going to Utah. Kessler also agreed to a new contract with the Lakers for four years, worth $130 million.

Oddsmakers liked the move for the Lakers.

Los Angeles — which as a public team always has odds a bit higher than the team’s actual chance to win an NBA championship — was at 40-1 to win next year’s title at BetMGM — the Lakers moved to 30-1 after the deal.

Los Angeles is now tied for the fifth-best odds to win the Western Conference at 16-1 with the Golden State Warriors. The Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs (+150) are co-favorites to win the West.

The Lakers also agreed to deals with free agents Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.