Former roommates meet for the second straight game when the Los Angeles Clippers visit their old digs in Crypto.com Arena to take on the Los Angeles Lakers tonight.
The Lakers edged the Clippers 106-102 at home on Friday night, with the new one-two punch of Luka Doncic and LeBron James doing the bulk of the damage.
Those stars combined for almost 60 points, including 28 points from James. That effort, and Doncic’s questionable status for Sunday, has LeBron’s scoring market surging upward.
Despite his potential for points, I’m keeping tempered expectations for James with my best Clippers vs. Lakers predictions and NBA picks for March 2.
Clippers vs Lakers prediction
My best bet
LeBron James Under 27.5 points (-115 at bet365)
My analysis
LeBron James has loved life with Luka Doncic, with his scoring output spiking over the last six contests. James is averaging 29.8 points in that stretch and has topped his scoring total in each of those outings, laying to waste point props between 23.5 and 25.5 points O/U.
That includes scoring 28 in Friday’s home win over the Los Angeles Clippers, Over his closing point total of 24.5 O/U. That scoring surge now has James’ point bar rising to 27.5 O/U, which not only reflects his current hot streak but also Doncic’s iffy status for tonight (possible rest).
While life without Luka this evening would put the weight of the Los Angeles Lakers’ attack solely on James’ hulking shoulders, it would also make the Purple and Gold much easier to manage in terms of the Clips’ defensive plans.
They could throw extra bodies at LBJ without fear of Doncic doing damage and would much rather force the Lakers’ role players to hurt them than their stars. James faced this same team without Doncic on February 25, scoring 26 points on 8-for-13 shooting along with an 8 of 11 mark on free throws.
The Clippers are a strong defensive side, ranked No. 3 in defensive rating, anchored by solid rim protection. They allow the fourth-fewest points in the paint against, can slow down teams in transition, and have capable one-on-one defenders to toss at James in isolation spots.
Game projections call for a good showing from LeBron but not 28 points worth of "good." Models range from 23 to 25 points and while James has been on one this month, his scoring average for the bulk of the schedule has had him around 24 points an outing.
My number comes out to 24.5 points, which should have James’ Under 27.5 points priced around -200. I'll fade "King James," which is always an uncomfortable wager to ride out.
Clippers vs Lakers same-game parlay
LeBron James Under 27.5 points
James Harden 15+ points
Clippers moneyline
LeBron’s point prop has taken a big step up due to his recent output, but my forecast calls for less than 28 points.
Harden had 18 points on Friday and has put up 18 or more in the first five games back since the All-Star break.
The Clippers can return serve in the Battle of Los Angeles, getting a boost from Norman Powell’s return to the lineup and possibly no Luka for the Lakers.
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Clippers vs Lakers odds
Clippers vs Lakers live odds
Clippers vs Lakers opening odds
- Spread: LAC +2 | LAL -2
- Moneyline: LAC -102 | LAL -110
- Over/Under: Over 219 | Under 219
Odds courtesy of bet365
Clippers vs Lakers spread and Over/Under analysis
- Oddsmakers opened the Lakers as 2-point home chalk but that has since swung all the way to Clippers -3 with rumblings that Luka Doncic could sit out Sunday.
- The Over/Under total hit the board at 219 points and is up to 220.5 as of Sunday morning.
- According to Covers Consensus, 67% of picks are on the Lakers as home dogs while 62% of picks on the total are siding with the Over.
- The Lakers are 2-1 SU and ATS in their three matchups with the Clippers this season, with those games going 1-2 O/U. These teams had shared the same venue from 1999-2000 until last year.
Clippers vs Lakers trend
The Clippers are 8-4 SU as road favorites this season but only 4-8 ATS in those games. They’ve gone 8-4 O/U in those spots as road chalk as well. Find more NBA betting trends for Clippers vs. Lakers.
How to watch Clippers vs Lakers
| Location | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Sunday, 3-2-2025 |
| Tip-off | 9:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN SoCal, ClipperVision |
Clippers vs Lakers latest injuries
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