Lakers vs Warriors Picks and Predictions: LeBron Plays Facilitator in Opener

What a way to tip off the new NBA season. Steph Curry and the defending NBA Champion Golden State Warriors hosting LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, in a season in which The King can take a new crown by tracking down Kareem Abdul-Jabar for the all-time points scored record.

There are so many storylines heading into this game. Will the Warriors be able to move past the Draymond drama and put on a strong performance? And can the Lakers bounce back from a shocking 33-49 campaign with a new head coach at the helm?

A good chunk of this season will focus on LeBron ascending to the points throne. However, I’ve found a bet in this matchup that leans more on his abilities as an all-around player and facilitator.

Find out what it is below in NBA picks and predictions for the Lakers vs. Warriors.

Lakers vs Warriors best odds

Lakers vs Warriors picks and predictions

This is such an intriguing game on so many levels. 

The Warriors returned to the pinnacle of the NBA world and defending their title would put them in the conversation with all-time great dynasties (if they weren’t there already). But Draymond Green’s haymaker to Jordan Poole has certainly created some drama.

There is also concern that Steph, Klay Thompson, and Draymond are all a year older and will need guys like James Wiseman and Jonathan Kuminga to take the next step forward in their development. 

Meanwhile, the Darvin Ham era begins for the Lakers a year after the team finished 11th in the Western Conference. And while he might finally be able to unlock the Russell Westbrook puzzle for this roster, there is currently no solution. Rumor has it he may come off the bench.

But this team is all about LeBron and AD. James continues to be a mutant, coming off a year where he averaged 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists over 56 games. But he needs his running mate in Anthony Davis. If Davis can stay on the court and be that All-NBA player we know he can be, the Lakers can still be a problem.

And to that point, I expect LeBron to try and get Davis and his other teammates feeling good early on in the season. Look for him to be a facilitator tonight, feeding the other half of his dynamic duo in the paint while also doing work on the glass against a Warriors team that loves to run several small-ball lineups out there.

LeBron’s rebounds + assists prop is at 14.5, which makes sense considering he averaged 14.4 last season. But in three games against the Warriors, that average bumped up to 17.3, going Over 14.5 twice.

On top of that, this is LeBron. He generally shows up when he's the center of everyone's attention. The plus money is the cherry on top.

My best bet: LeBron James Over 14.5 rebounds + assists (+115)

Lakers vs Warriors spread analysis

This line opened with the Warriors as 6.5-point home chalk and it’s the defending champs who have seen the early money with 7s popping up on the board. And for good reason.

It appears the Warriors have put the Draymond drama behind them. Green was on the floor for the team's final preseason game and the team appeared to function as normal. You know, as normal as champions who punch each other in the face can look.

While the casual observer would look at the Warriors and think this is primarily a shoot first, shoot second, and defend later team, they actually ranked 16th in offensive rating and second in defensive rating. And now the team might be deeper than ever. 

The second unit of Poole, Wiseman, Kuminga, Donte DiVincenzo, and Moses Moody could be a hell of a lot of fun to watch and it gives the Warriors a big edge over most teams when it comes to bench play, including the Lakers.

Honestly, this L.A. roster looks like a bit of a mess heading into the season. What will happen with Westbrook? Is there enough shooting talent? But as long as LeBron and AD are on the court, and motivated, this team will be able to compete. Speaking of competition, you know Patrick Beverley will be pumped up for this game with the chance to go at the likes of Steph and Poole.

When you consider the Warriors’ ring ceremony and their internal issues, their focus may not solely be on the Lakers. Getting seven points with LeBron in this spot seems like too many.

Lakers vs Warriors Over/Under analysis

The total hit the board at 227 and the early money has driven the number down to 225, and while I don’t have an official play, I’d tend to agree. 

As noted, the Warriors were an under-the-radar excellent defensive team. With guys like Draymond, Andrew Wiggins, and others, the Warriors became very versatile at that end of the floor. Now, they face a Lakers team that ranked 15th in effective field goal percentage and 21st in 3-point percentage a season ago and did little in the offseason to improve those numbers.

At the other end of the floor, the Lakers’ defensive numbers weren’t great, ranking 22nd in defensive rating. But that all changes with a motivated LeBron and AD on the floor. And bringing in Beverley was a big part of improving the effort on that end of the floor as well. He’s a pesky lockdown defender who can give the Warriors’ shooters fits.

Even at 225.5, I would still lean towards the Under in an early-season matchup where players could still be working on their conditioning and finding their grooves.

Lakers vs Warriors betting trend to know

The Lakers are 5-2 ATS in their last seven trips to Golden State. Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Warriors.

Lakers vs Warriors game info

Lakers vs Warriors key injuries

Pages related to this topic