The Lakers look to end their two-game skid on the road against the Raptors tonight. Anthony Davis (hip) and D’Angelo Russell (back) are both game-time decisions, but are listed as probable. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Los Angeles is favored by nine points and this game’s total is set at 232.5 points.
Below, I have featured my favorite LeBron James prop to consider from this contest.
Best LeBron James prop bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
LeBron James Under 23.5 points (-120)
It may seem outlandish to bet against James, but it’s for good reason. The 22-year veteran has slowed down slightly to start the 2024-25 season, averaging 21.2 points per game. Part of this downtick in scoring production is due to Anthony Davis’ involvement in the offense. JJ Redick is leaning on Davis in his first season as head coach, allowing the big man to become the Lakers’ featured player on both ends.
The transition from James to Davis in terms of top offensive production is something that’s been rumored since Davis arrived in Los Angeles in 2019. Davis is averaging 30.6 points per game this season. James is taking a back seat, saving some energy for a playoff push.
James has gotten off to slow starts in his first five games this year, averaging just 3.4 attempted field goals in the first quarter. He’s heated up as the game goes on if it’s necessary — take the Kings game for example when he scored 16 in the fourth quarter. He doesn’t need to have a large offensive outburst in every quarter for the Lakers to win games — James admitted this himself. Against the Raptors, who are 1-4 to start the season, the Lakers shouldn’t need James to overexert himself to get the victory.
James could have low production entirely, especially in the points column since the Lakers are favored by nine points on DraftKings Sportsbook.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is osullivanb255) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skills and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
