The Lakers weren't able to win a third straight NBA title this season, but at the very least they can say they were beaten by the best. The second-round sweep was bad, but it came at the hands of the NBA champions, as the Dallas Mavericks beat the Miami Heat for their first NBA title on Sunday night. Now that this season is over, it's time to look toward next season, and the Lakers are among the favorites to hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy next season.
↵In the first odds to win the 2012 NBA championship released by Bodog, Miami is the favorite at 5/2 odds to win the 2011-2012 NBA title. The Lakers are the next in line, at 11/2 odds, followed by the Bulls (6/1) and Thunder (8/1). The Mavericks are a 10/1 shot to defend their title.
↵For more news and information about the Lakers, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Silver Screen and Roll.