Can someone explain to me why the Lakers are only favored by 5?

Hello Covers,

Not an amateur gambler, but somewhat in-between novice and intermediate here.

Lakers -5 looks enticing, but obviously it looks "too good to be true", right? Well, depends who you ask, because at the end of the day, Vegas is still Vegas.

On the surface, this line looks like a trap, so can someone give some insightful information here on why I shouldn't take this?

Let's go... And by the way, thanks in advance for any real, meaningful input.

What do you think they should be favored by?

@Ravensfan2k3

I'd say -11.5 Lakers.

Why? This looks like a double digit win for them. Hornets are not good at all. Their most recent wins came across a New Orleans team without Dejounte Murray, Dallas without Luka, and my Bulls who are not good a team. A loss to the Blazers is laughable.

I see a blowout, even with an older Lakers squad, who seem to be getting crap together.

It seems "too good to be true", but once again, could be a trap line.

*EDIT*

I'd say Lakers -9.5 or -10.5

The past few shady lines I’ve noticed in the last week were Magic -6 vs blazers at home and Hawks -4.5 twice at home against 1-19 on the road Raptors lost and all 3 faves lost outright. I’m good on trying to figure out motivation for these teams anymore. Lately feels like if the line is suspect it’s been for a reason but as soon as I pick accordingly Lakers would blow them out. Godspeed 

Lakers have been playing better and defense, but laying points with lakeshow on the road…maybe. 

Lakers are 1-9 ats on mondays playing away but 2 of them were against Hornets and they won by 6 each of those games. 

@DeaconPalmer

Totally agree with this. NBA is so unpredictable since players don't seem to want to be competitive day in and day out.

@Jackcoke

Wow. While I can't verify this at the moment of responding to you, this is the type of insight I am looking for. Thank you.

Lebron and AD are game time decisions. Rui out and I think Gabe Vincent might be out also. Hornets suck but they have won 4 out of 6. I kind of like the under. 

@Drake-The-Snake

Great points - While their contributions don't look like much on the surface, I think these guys played their role very well in the win against the Celtics.

@Ravensfan2k3

Sure about that? Even the Cavs who have lost 3 in a row are -11.5 against the Pistons, who are a better team than the Hornets.. Granted, they are at home... Not to mention Kings are -12.5 away versus the Nets. Nuggets are -9.5 against the Bulls... Bucks are even -9.5 against the Jazz with a total at 237.5...

I know this isn't exactly how spreads are created, and there are other factors to consider, but I feel like I can treat the Lakers and their competition similarly.

But as others have mentioned, there are some trending factors here to consider, which seems more plausible to factor in.

LeBron on the road in front end of a b2b off a win at Golden State and probably enjoyed the NFL games and some wine ?? last night. Lakes historically have not been great in these spots 

Stay away, unless prepared to play:

CHA +5.5/-106

@Ravensfan2k3

Lol that's real cute of you. Now go to mommy for your milk and nap. Good night.