2024-25 Los Angeles Lakers Predictions, Odds and Betting Preview: Long in the Tooth

LeBron James and Anthony Davis will be looking to bring another NBA Championship to Hollywood this season, and we are conducting an in-depth analysis to determine which NBA picks we should back this season.

The Los Angeles Lakers roster looks relatively the same, aside from two new rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James — perhaps you’ve heard of him. The Lakers' big offseason move came at the head coach position, where they fired Darvin Ham and hired JJ Redick. 

Can the Lakers win another NBA Finals before James retires? Let’s take a closer look at the NBA odds, specifically the Los Angeles Lakers odds for the 2024-2025 season.

2024-25 Los Angeles Lakers odds and outlook

All odds courtesy of FanDuel, as of 10-17.

Los Angeles Lakers projected lineup

Lakers regular season win total prediction

Before last season, I wagered on the Under 48.5 wins for the Los Angeles Lakers because I believed their win total should have been closer to 44. They made it a bit of a sweat down the stretch by winning several games but ultimately finished with 47 wins. 

I feel similarly this season, as not much has changed with their roster, except their win total is now set at 42.5. With the win total six games lower, and trading at 42.5, my opinion has shifted, and I lean toward the Over. The betting number always influences which side you land on, and that's exactly what's happening here because I'd be playing the Under in back-to-back seasons if it was still trading at 48.5. 

While the roster is relatively the same, I think it's reasonable to have a slightly higher projection for the Lakers this year, especially with Darvin Ham fired and JJ Redick stepping in as the new head coach. I also like the addition of Dalton Knecht as an extra shooter. 

The 42.5 win total at FanDuel is also a rogue price, as the rest of the market has the Lakers' win total set at 43.5 with similar juice. So if you're looking to back the Lakers on the Over for their win total, be sure to place your bet at FanDuel.

Prediction: Over 42.5 (-110 at FanDuel)

Lakers playoff prediction

When it comes to backing the Lakers to make the playoffs, I'm going with the 'Yes,' which is trading at -110. The Western Conference is notoriously tough when it comes to making the postseason, but 42 wins would have been enough to at least secure the No. 10 seed in last year's Play-In Tournament. So, if I'm backing the Lakers to go Over their win total of 42.5, you'd have to assume they can at least find themselves in the Play-In Tournament.

That said, I believe the Lakers could potentially have a higher ceiling than we're predicting at this moment. Their name continues to be floated in trade rumors for players like Zach LaVine or even for an additional center to play alongside Anthony Davis. With LeBron James turning 40 in the middle of the season, the Lakers' window to win another championship with him is rapidly closing. 

The Lakers have first-round picks they could use to acquire another key piece. I'm confident the roster the Lakers start the season with won't be the same one they finish with. This also influences my decision to bet 'Yes' on the Lakers to make the playoffs, as they should be highly motivated to push all their draft capital in for one final run. A bold move could propel them into the Top 6 of the Western Conference. 

Prediction: Yes (-110 at FanDuel)

LeBron James prediction

In his 21 NBA seasons, James has failed to average more than 24.6 points per game only once — his rookie year, when he averaged 20.9. That’s probably the last thing you want to hear when I suggest playing the Under on 24.6 points per game, but let me make the case.

Did I mention James will be turning 40 this season and is entering his 22nd year in the NBA? When you listen to JJ Redick's comments leading up to this season, everything revolves around Davis. The focus is on using AD as a hub, ensuring he touches the ball every possession, and making sure the Lakers don't go multiple possessions without Davis being involved in the offense. We’ll see the Lakers reduce James’ usage and minutes to better preserve him for the playoffs.

The Lakers have relied too heavily on James over the past few seasons out of necessity to make the postseason. Last year, the Golden State Warriors were in a similar situation, with Stephen Curry playing just over 32 minutes per game, while James averaged more than 35.

In the Olympics, James showcased his high basketball IQ by carving up defenses with his passing. He still has plenty left in the tank as a facilitator, which is a less physically demanding role.

James will lean more into this facilitator role in Redick's offense, focusing on finding three-point shooters and cutters. James’ assists total is trading at 7.9 per game at DraftKings, which could be worth considering with this logic. However, I also expect Redick to dial back James’ minutes, making it difficult for him to surpass his points or assists total this season.

Prediction: Under 24.6 PPG (-115 at DraftKings)

Lakers awards futures prediction

If you're looking to bet on someone from the Lakers to win an award this season, my favorite bet would be Dalton Knecht for NBA Rookie of the Year. The Lakers absolutely stole Knecht on draft night, snagging him with the 17th pick when several experts thought he could go in the first seven selections.

Knecht couldn’t have landed in a better situation to contribute immediately, especially since he’s an older rookie at 23. His new head coach, Redick, knows a thing or two about drawing up plays for sharpshooters, and the Lakers were in dire need of more shooting.

The Rookie of the Year race is wide open, and Knecht has a great opportunity to make an immediate impact for a Lakers team that lacks offensive firepower off the bench. Rui Hachimura has the shortest odds to win NBA Sixth Man of the Year for the Lakers, but he’s been named a starter. That says a lot about their bench and the opportunity in front of Knecht to earn minutes and contribute.

If they pull off a blockbuster trade, a ripple effect could lead to Redick winning Coach of the Year. That narrative would revolve around the Lakers exceeding expectations, potentially blitzing past their 42.5-win total and reaching 50+ wins to finish in the top 6 in the Western Conference. However, with the current roster, it’s much harder to back Redick for that award.

Prediction: Dalton Knecht to win Rookie of the Year (+2000 at FanDuel)

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