Lakers vs Clippers predictions, picks and best bets for tonight’s NBA game

Now halfway through the NBA schedule, the Los Angeles Clippers finally appear to have recovered their season, but that progress will be put to the test tonight when they host the Los Angeles Lakers at the Intuit Dome.

The Battle of LA season series sits at 1-1 heading into this matchup, and mine Lakers-Clippers prediction expect LeBron James to be one of the swing factors.

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Let’s dive right into my NBA picks for Thursday, January 22nd.

Lakers-Clippers prediction

The best bet between Lakers and Clippers: LeBron James Over 12.5 rebounds + assists (-112 bet365)

LeBron James’ injury problems may point to a 41-year-old in his 23rd season, but his stats suggest he has more in the tank. James was able to keep his sciatica and arthritis at bay as he started 2026 with a bang, so look for his fingerprints everywhere in tonight’s clash with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Since Luka Doncic scored most of the scoring for the Los Angeles Lakers, here I turn to the rebounds and assists of LeBron, who has surpassed this O/U combo number in four of his last five outings.

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James has gotten the job done in both of those categories so far this month, averaging 7.7 RPG and 7.6 APG in January, and was closing in on a triple-double in Los Angeles’ win over the Denver Nuggets earlier this week.

Until Austin Reaves returns, LeBron will have a bigger share of the playmaking, particularly when Luka is on the bench, and there isn’t much secondary ball handling in the current rotation. Likewise, he has an important role to play alongside Deandre Ayton on boardrooms.

At this stage in his career, James can still do the little things that lead to victories, and the Lakers will need all the veteran savvy to keep their cross-town rivals at bay tonight.

Lakers vs Clippers: the same game

The Lakers are 7-3 SU in their last 10 meetings with the Clippers and an impressive 14-8 on the road this season. With Kawhi Leonard still listed as questionable, the burden on James Harden could once again be enormous, and the hosts have given up 138 points to the Chicago Bulls this week.

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Harden continues to put up great numbers, and I’ll take the Over on his rebounds here. He’s grabbed 4+ rebounds in six of his last seven games, and the Clippers will gladly keep him closer to the basket if he avoids Luka’s defensive assignment.

Lakers-Clippers SGP

Our PSC “from the center”: brick by brick

Ivica Zubac has had some miserable possessions trying to guard Doncic on switches in the past, but the Clippers will lean on him for big minutes here. Zubac had three consecutive double-doubles and finished with 11-plus rebounds in his final four games.

Lakers-Clippers SGP

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Lakers-Clippers betting

• Diffusion: Lakers -1.5 (+100) | Hair clipper +1.5 (-120)

• Moneyline: Lakers -110 | Cutters -110

• Above/Below: Over 223.5 (-110) | Below 223.5 (-110)

Lakers vs Clippers betting trend to know

The Lakers are 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings between these teams. Check out more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Clippers.

How to watch Lakers-Clippers

Latest injuries between Lakers and Clippers

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