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Magic vs. Lakers NBA Finals betting odds had The Lakers as -6 favorites everywhere except for betED.com. If you like the Orlando Magic to win Game 1, betED.com is definitely the place to bet them at +6 ½, though this number was likely to change prior to game time, so Gambling911.com advises locking in these odds immediately.
For the gambler, these are some important things to consider when it comes to the Magic vs. Lakers matchup trends:
Both teams have split the last 10 Against The Spread. Not a very helpful trend there.
One big plus for this improved Orlando team is that they beat Los Angeles both games this season, even in LA. The idea that Orlando can cover here certainly should be considered.
The focus should be on recent performance where the Magic are concerned. This is a much improved team from years past when the Lakers dominated.
The Magic are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning Straight Up record.
Now here are some truly scary stats that do not exactly favor LA:
They are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 vs. the NBA Southeast. They are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following an SU win of more than 10 points. And they are 1-10-1 ATS in their last 12 NBA Championship games.
Of course, the Magic vs. Lakers NBA Finals betting odds for Game 1 reflect the notion that Orlando has not been in the NBA Finals for well over a decade.
Then there's the avenging factor, a need to make up for last year's embarrassing loss to the Celtics in the Finals.
Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers will be seeking atonement -- and a 15th championship -- when they face the resurrected Orlando Magic in Game 1 on Thursday night at the Staples Center.
For Bryant, the game's greatest late-game closer since Michael Jordan, it's a second opportunity at shutting up some of his loudest detractors. He has won three titles, but hasn't been able to get No. 4 since Shaquille O'Neal was traded after the 2004 season to Miami.
Bryant was asked Wednesday if he needed a post-Shaq championship to enhance his legacy.
"Not at all," Bryant said. "It means nothing. To me, it's about winning another one, just because I want to win another one."
Before catching his breath, Bryant, who had been loose and relaxed earlier this week, then took a verbal swipe worthy of a flagrant foul at O'Neal, his former teammate with whom he famously feuded.
"People think Shaq would have won a championship without me on that team," he said. "They're crazy."
This is Bryant's chance. He doesn't want to waste it.
The Lakers have won 14 titles. Orlando, 0.
The Lakers have won 61 finals games. Orlando, 0.
Los Angeles coach Phil Jackson has nine championship rings. Orlando's Stan Van Gundy 1 -- but he got it as an assistant and doesn't know where it is.
betED.com has all your 2009 NBA Finals betting odds on the Magic vs. Lakers here
Tyrone Darnell Black, Gambling911.com
