Entering the playoffs, more money had been wagered on the Los Angeles Lakers to win the Finals than any other team at multiple sportsbooks. That money will be staying with the house.
The Lakers bowed out of the NBA playoffs Wednesday, losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a five-game, first-round series. They were nearly -200 favorites to beat the Timberwolves and attracted lopsided support from bettors to win the series. Lakers in six games was the most-popular betting option in the series at ESPN BET.
The Lakers were a hot bet throughout the season, and the action at sportsbooks increased significantly after the midseason trade for Luka Doncic.