As we reach the halfway point of the NBA schedule, the Los Angeles Clippers finally appear to be salvaging their season, but that progress will be tested 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 game, and my Lakers vs. Clippers predictions expect LeBron James to be one of the swing factors here for the visitors.
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Take a closer look at this highlight showdown from January 22 with my free NBA Pick.
Lakers vs Clippers Prediction
Lakers vs Clippers best bet: LeBron James Over 12.5 rebounds + assists (-112 Bet365)
LeBron James Injury issues may indicate a 41-year-old is in his 23rd season, but his stats suggest he has something left in the tank. James has managed to keep his sciatica and arthritis at bay while starting 2026 with a bang, so look for his fingerprints all over during tonight’s clash with the Los Angeles Clippers.
With Luka Doncic make a big part of the score for the Los Angeles LakersI’m targeting LeBron’s rebounds and assists here, and he’s topped that O/U combo in four of his last five outings.
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James has done the job in both of those categories so far this month, averaging 7.7 RPG and 7.6 APG in January, and he 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 game, especially when Luka is on the bench, and there just isn’t a lot of secondary ball-handling in the current rotation. Likewise, he has an important role to play alongside Deandre Ayton on the boards.
At this point in his career, James can still do the little things that lead to victory, and the Lakers will need all that veteran know-how to hold off their cross-town rivals tonight.
Parlay Lakers vs Clippers in 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 be huge once again, and the hosts gave up 138 points to the Chicago Bulls this week.
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Harden continues to put up big numbers, and I’m going to get the better of his rebounds here. He’s grabbed 4+ rebounds in six of his last seven games, and the Clippers will happily keep him closer to the rim if they avoid Luka’s defensive assignment.
Lakers vs. Clippers SGP
Our “downtown” SGP: Brick by brick
Ivica Zubac has had miserable possessions trying to keep Doncic on the switches in the past, but the Clippers will lean on him for big minutes here. Zubac had three straight double-doubles and finished with over 11 rebounds in his last four games.
Lakers vs. Clippers SGP
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Lakers vs. Clippers odds
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Spread: Lakers -1.5 (+100) | Clippers +1.5 (-120)
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Money line: Lakers -110 | Mowers -110
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More/Less: Over 223.5 (-110) | Under 223.5 (-110)
Lakers vs Clippers betting trend to know
The Lakers are 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings between these teams. Find more NBA Betting Trends for the Lakers against the Clippers.
How to watch the Lakers vs. Clippers
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Location |
Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California |
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Date |
Thursday January 22, 2026 |
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Trick |
10 p.m. ET |
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TV |
Main video |
Latest Lakers vs Clippers injuries
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