The Lakers cemented their spot in the Play-In after barely sneaking out a win against the New Orleans Pelicans, alongside some surprising help from the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors, dropping points in their previous games. That being said, In today’s article, we will explore how LeBron James will now have the chance to win his fifth NBA championship and how the King’s final chapter may impact Lakers betting and sportsbook betting lines.
Peak Form at the Perfect Time?
Firstly, it’s essential to consider how LeBron James may be hitting peak form at the perfect time, which can significantly impact Lakers betting whether they are looking to top up their current sportsbook winnings or taking advantage of welcome offers available. For instance, against the Pelicans, James struck a career-high for any half with 13, showcasing his perfect court vision and the numbers he can still produce at the tail end of an NBA season. Furthermore, James’ defensive display against Zion Williams may also impact Lakers fans’ betting strategies after he kept the former prodigy at bay throughout the game.
His end-of-game stats confirmed this peak form, with the King hitting a triple-double of 28 points, 17 assists, 11 rebounds, five steals, and one block. But what does this highlight for Laker’s bettors? It showcases that James will perform when it matters most, in the high-stakes games where silverware is potentially available at the end. This is not just in points scored but also in defensive duties and helping teammates thrive, which will be pivotal for the Lakers in the Playoffs and further forward should they advance.
The Play-In Tournament: Key Points For Lakers Fans to Consider
The Lakers will again face the Pelicans in the Play-In tournament for the opportunity to fight against the reigning NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets, in round 1 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs. Below are some critical points for Lakers fans looking to bet on the Play-In game.
- The Lakers have taken three of four games against the New Orleans Pelicans, primarily because of their potent offense with the likes of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, and Austin Reaves.
- The Lakers have scored 120 or more points thrice in the four games mentioned above. This season, they are 30-7 when they score at least 120 points.
- In Sunday’s game, the Pelicans allowed the Lakers to shoot 63.8% from inside the arc, while New Orleans ranked 25th in the league defensive category.
- James is likely to be the difference maker here, too, having averaged 28.8 points, 11.8 assists, and 6.3 assists in the regular-season series against the Pelicans, alongside the 28-point, 17-assist, 11-rebound performance in the season finale mentioned above.
- All the above points to the Lakers’ taking a second consecutive victory over the Pelicans. Nevertheless, Lakes fans need to do their own research and due diligence.
Is Denver a Step Too Far for James and Lakers Bettors?
So, suppose LeBron James and the Lakers overcome the Pelicans. In that case, as statistics and previous games against them suggest they will, they have the unfavorable tie against the defending NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets, to look forward to. But as James showcased against the Pelicans in the final regular season game, he’s healthy and thriving, which makes the Lakers a dangerous eighth seed for any team to face, even the reigning NBA champions. That being said, an essential statistic for Lakers bettors to consider if James and Co make it past the Pelicans to the playoffs is that they have lost eight consecutive games to the Nuggets.
Can LeBron Take the Lakers to the NBA Championship?
With LeBron in the Lakers ranks, beating the best can be done with arguably the greatest of all time playing for your side. Alongside this, the Lakers step into the Play-In game, winning 11 of their last 14 games. Furthermore, their roster is close to full strength with Austin Reeves, D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, and hopefully Anthony Davis, who suffered a back injury against the Pelicans.
LeBron said he feels far better at 39 years old this season than when the Lakers entered the postseason. This sends an ominous warning to the rest of the league that he means business, which should alert all Lakers bettors to consider the team and LeBron specials on their sportsbook bets.
The record NBA points scorer is showing no signs of slowing down, even in the twilight years of his career. The allure of a fifth ring to join titans of the game like Magic Johnson, Michael Cooper, and the late great Kobe Bryant only adds to the fuel needed to ignite LeBron’s fire for the Lakers in the 2023/2024 postseason. Nevertheless, any Laker’s bettors must thoroughly research post-season games safely and securely before placing wagers on LeBron or the Lakers.
