NBA Odds Shift With LeBron, Bosh Trades

One of the NBA's biggest ever off-season trading periods, which saw LeBron James and Chris Bosh move to the Miami Heat to join Dwayne Wade, has prompted a rethink of odds from bookmakers across the globe.

At British bookmaker Ladbrokes, the Heat have not only been installed as new championship favorites for the 2010/11 season, but have also led them to challenge punters to bet on Miami versus the rest of the field, with the Heat paying 9/4 odds and the other 29 teams paying 2/7.

Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, who are aiming for a three-peat and are almost certainly gearing up for a shot at Miami in the NBA Finals, are second favorites, paying 5/2 for the championship.

The NBA's balance of power has shifted with the trades, but another effect will be felt on local industry in Cleveland, a city that benefited from LeBron's huge personality.

One article in national news site The Examiner suggested that Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert's rant to fans following Lebron's exit might have had more to do with the impact it will have on a proposed casino adjacent to the Cavs' home arena.

Gilbert put up $35 million in campaign money along with Penn National to support the casino, according to the article.