The Los Angeles Lakers (2-8) have gotten off to an awful start, as many expected them to have a bounce-back season following a very disappointing one last year.
The Los Angeles Clippers (6-5) haven’t exactly set the world on fire either, as they have been dealing with injuries to some of their key guys, especially Kawhi Leonard.
The Lakers vs Clippers Game Prediction, otherwise known as the Battle of LA, will come down to how much of an impact LeBron James can truly have on this game.
Last Game Records
The Lakers have dropped three straight games on their NBA schedule, as they lost to the Utah Jazz twice and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Clippers have picked things up recently after a slow start to the season, as they’ve won four of their last five NBA matchups.
They’ve beaten:
- Houston Rockets twice
- San Antonio Spurs
- Cleveland Cavaliers
Lakers vs. Clippers Betting Analysis
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers still need to figure out their identity, but it’s encouraging to see that LeBron James and Anthony Davis are putting up great numbers early on and that Russell Westbrook is willing to take on a lesser role.
The Lakers still remain one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the league, if not the worst, so they’re going to have to embrace getting the ball into the paint.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers teams’ stats don’t look the greatest offensively, as they’re currently ranked 29th in the league in offensive rating.
However, their defense is ranked fourth in the league, which makes up for their current lack of offense.
Without Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers don’t have a real bonafide scorer next to Paul George, as most of the other guys on the roster pride themselves on defense.
NBA Injury Report
Anthony Davis is currently listed as day-to-day on the injury report but without an injury attached to it.
- LeBron James is day-to-day as well with a foot injury, but it is probable for this game.
- Kawhi Leonard will be out of action with a knee injury.
Lakers vs Clippers Betting Preview
The Clippers are favored with a -3.5 spread. The over/under is 219.5. The Lakers’ moneyline is +145, whereas the Clippers’ moneyline is -165.
- The Lakers are 2-8 against the spread. The Clippers are 4-7 against the spread.
- All of these stats should be considered when making your Lakers vs Clippers picks.
Lakers vs Clippers Betting Prediction
The Lakers vs Clippers Game Prediction will come down to a number of factors, which could very well be dictated on the Lakers’ side of things.
It’ll come down to how LeBron James can find that spark to be able to carry his team to wins again and if Anthony Davis can continue to stay healthy and dominant.
Russell Westbrook has shown that he’s now willing to embrace a role off the bench, in which he’s also showing he can thrive.
Paul George has a ton of weight to carry on his shoulders as well, as he’ll be tasked with lifting the Clippers to victory without Kawhi Leonard.
Whichever NBA player between LeBron and PG-13 puts up better NBA player stats will likely win, as it’ll have a huge impact on their respective NBA team stats as a whole, along with the Lakers and Clippers team stats.
NBA Prediction for this Game
The Lakers vs Clippers Game prediction will come down to who wants it more ultimately. Which of these teams is playing for pride and wants to put on for their city of Los Angeles?
The Lakers have not been great as a collective unit at all, but this could rejuvenate them into playoff contention and turn their season around.
This could also give the Clippers a great chance to develop chemistry before Kawhi Leonard returns.
With the Lakers desperately needing a win, this appears to be the type of game that can wake them up, so don’t be surprised if they come out and steal this game despite being the underdogs.
NBA Pick: Lakers +3 (-110)
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