History will be made in Los Angeles tonight as the Los Angeles Clippers host the Los Angeles Lakers for the first time at their brand-new Intuit Dome. LeBron James and company will travel the short 20-minute drive and mark the first time since 1998 that these two teams do not share the same home stadium.
Both Los Angeles teams sit in a solid spot at this point in the season. The Clippers sit in fifth place in the Western Conference with a 23-17 record while the Lakers are a half-game behind them with a 22-17 record on the season. This will be the first matchup between these two teams this season.
The Clippers enter this game as four-point favorites and -180 on the Moneyline. The Lakers hold +150 odds on the Moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook. The game total is set at 215 points.
Best LeBron James Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
James’ props are listed at over/under 22.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 1.5 made three-pointers and 37.5 combined points, rebounds and assists.
LeBron James Over 6.5 Rebounds (-135)
At 40 years old, LeBron James remains one of the premier players in basketball. The future Hall of Famer is averaging 23.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 7.5 rebounds per game. James has recorded over 6.5 rebounds in 20 of the 36 games he has played this season.
The Clippers have embraced a more defensive-minded approach this season. They rank 14th in total team rebounds and sixth in opponent rebounds per game this season. Keep an eye on the injury report leading up to the matchup as James Harden, Norman Powell, Kris Dunn and Ivica Zubac are all listed as questionable. Zubac would be especially noteworthy when looking at it from a rebounding perspective.
James has had great success against the Clippers during his Lakers tenure. He is averaging 9.1 rebounds per game in these matchups and has recorded over 6.5 rebounds in 10 of the last 11 matchups. The Lakers will need James to step up on the boards in this matchup. Expect there to be an increased intensity in the air for this cross-town rivalry matchup. Count on James to log at least seven rebounds for the 21st time this season and for his impact to be evident throughout.
LeBron James Double-Double (+105)
While I flirted with the idea of taking a swing on the +750 odds of a triple-double, taking the +105 odds for a double-double is still great value. James has logged seven triple-doubles and 17 double-doubles across the 36 games he has played this season.
James has especially shown growth as a playmaker in the Lakers offense following the decision to trade D’Angelo Russell. This has created more on-ball opportunities and James has not been held to less than seven assists in a game since the trade. He is averaging 8.1 assists across these eight games.
It should also be noted that Anthony Davis is listed as questionable for this matchup with a foot injury. His absence would further put more on James’ plate, but the star forward is sure to have his opportunities regardless.
James had logged a double-double in two of his past five games and is sure to have his fingerprints all over this matchup. The Lakers were off yesterday and there is sure to be an increased buzz due to the cross-town rivalry. Expect James to be ready to meet the challenge and take advantage of the +105 odds on DraftKings.
