Oddsmakers Weigh In On LeBron James Sweepstakes

Sports News - February 11th, 2010 - Written By John Ritter

As LeBron James continues to thrive in Cleveland, the Cavaliers have steadily become the favorite to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. They have -110 odds to win the east, according to BetUS, which is slightly better than Boston at +250.

But if Cleveland ultimately fails to secure a championship in his seventh season, nothing will be done to quiet the rumors of his departure from the city as he strives to become more of a global icon, and ultimately a billionaire. Both have been identified by the 25-year old star as goals for his future, but for now will have to take a backseat to a league championship. He has yet to do so with a variety of cast members through the years.

This season included 1999-00 MVP Shaquille O'Neal, who appears to have gelled easily with the team. The Cavs are a conference-best 42-11 with a season-sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers, and will keep the throne through the All-Star break.

In what will be one of the busiest off-seasons the league has seen in years, forecasters predict James will stay in Cleveland if he manages to win a championship, because he will likely desire a repeat. BetUS has that as the likely destination in their NBA Prop Betting Lines already with a -300 return.

But if it's riches and fame he desires, it may be time to part ways with the franchise that drafted him no. 1 overall. The New York Knicks have been courting him for years, and he has shown up at Cleveland events wearing a Yankees cap, drawing the ire of local fans. His most notable faux pas was in 2007 when he took a front row seat at the Indians' playoff series against the Boston Red Sox with a navy blue NY hat.

Another possibility is the New Jersey Nets, partially owned by rap mogul Jay-Z. The majority owner is Russian tycoon Mikhail Prokhorov, who bought the team back in September. He has international presence as the single wealthiest businessman in the country, and could enable James to entertain his desires to become a global brand.

The Knicks are the only other team with triple-digit odds in BetUS' wager at +225. After that, the Nets, who are currently last in the NBA with a 4-48 record, are considered longshots with +1000 odds.

The off-season won't begin until summer, but as teams brace for a monumental off-season, which will include Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, among others, executives are already beginning to budget for who they can afford, and who is a top target.