2009 Western Conference NBA Playoffs Odds: Lakers vs. Jazz

The L.A. Lakers are back at full strength and are overwhelming -400 favorites to win the West and return to the NBA Finals. (AP Images)"]

Much more was expected than a No. 8 seed from the Utah Jazz, and they would be dangerous if they could find a way to win on the road, because they still enjoy one of the league’s best home-court advantages.
The Lakers won the season series 2-1, which included a 125-112 victory Tuesday night in a game Utah needed to win to avoid Los Angeles in the first round.

Kobe Bryant scored 16 points in that game after averaging 38.5 in the first two meetings. The Jazz were without Carlos Boozer in their first loss, while the Lakers were missing Andrew Bynum for their loss at Utah. Mehmet Okur averaged 21.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in two games against the Lakers and the Jazz will need its center’s outside shooting and rebounding for any shot at the upset. Get all your NBA Basketball odds in the Bodog Sportsbook today.