The fact that LeBron James signed with the Los Angeles Lakers this summer has many fans believing the team is an instant contender. Others feel they don't have a shot to even make the playoffs, as they'll need more help. However, the oddsmakers at one popular Las Vegas sportsbook have published their new NBA future odds and it looks favorable for "King James" and company.

Westgate SuperBook gives odds

On Sunday (August 5), ESPN reported that the Westgate SuperBook officially put out their odds for NBA teams' win totals. While the Lakers weren't given the highest win total of any team, they have a decent number.

That is good news for fans, as the Lakers are expected to get another NBA free agent next summer, like Kemba Walker or Kawhi Leonard.

The oddsmakers are saying they'll win at least 48.5 games this coming season. That means NBA bettors, who want to take a risk on that, need to decide if it will be higher or lower than that total. Taking a gamble on 48 would be a win for the low side, while 49 would be a win on the other side.

To put things in perspective, fellow Western Conference teams Golden State, Houston, and Oklahoma City, each had better win totals in the odds.

The reigning champion Warriors have the most of any team at 62.5 wins. The Rockets were given 54.5 wins, while OKC has 50.5 wins for the upcoming season. Still, based on the Lakers' suggested win total in the West, they are going to be good enough for a playoff spot.

The Utah Jazz were given the exact same number as the Los Angeles Lakers at 48.5.

There are fans and analysts out there who already believe Utah could be the team to watch in the upcoming season, based on their exciting young player Donovan Mitchell, defensive star Rudy Gobert, and a talented returning roster.

The Celtics (57.5 wins) are the top team in terms of the Eastern Conference. They're followed by Toronto and Philadelphia, with each team given 54.5 wins as their totals to bet on.

LeBron has set the bar high

LeBron James has proven, during his stay in the Eastern Conference, that he's a player capable of taking any roster around him to the NBA finals. This was on display, once again, this past postseason, as he helped a weaker-than-usual Cleveland Cavaliers roster make it past the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals. LeBron's Cavs were ultimately swept in the NBA finals, but it was James' eighth-straight trip and ninth overall to the championship series.

With the Los Angeles Lakers, he'll be joining a roster that has young talent from last season, as well as new veterans the team added this summer. Emerging stars Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma will be a key part of the roster with LeBron, as will Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart.

In terms of free agents, the team added Lance Stephenson, Michael Beasley, Javale McGee, Rajon Rondo, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

As a team last season, Los Angeles finished 35-47. When he joined the Miami Heat in 2010 and returned to the Cavs in 2014, he helped each team improve their win totals over the year prior. As Superbook oddsmaker Jeff Sherman told ESPN via an email he sent them, "his impact wouldn't be as drastic as what we've seen prior. We figured about 10-12 wins, plus the young players growth to get to the number we set."

With that said, LeBron James is now among famous superstars in L.A., and is a possible savior who can restore playoff-caliber basketball in the "City of Angels."
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