With the NBA season reaching its midpoint, the Los Angeles Clippers are beginning to show signs of a turnaround. That momentum will be put to the test tonight as they take on the Los Angeles Lakers at Intuit Dome lakers vs clippers.
The Battle of L.A. is deadlocked at 1-1 this season, and my Lakers vs. Clippers forecast points to LeBron James as a potential deciding factor.
Let’s break down my NBA picks for Thursday, January 22.
Lakers vs. Clippers Prediction
Best Bet: LeBron James Over 12.5 rebounds + assists (-112, bet365)
While LeBron James has dealt with injury concerns typical of a 41-year-old in his 23rd NBA campaign, his recent performances indicate he still has plenty to offer. After managing issues with sciatica and arthritis, James has opened 2026 in strong form and should be heavily involved in tonight’s matchup with the Clippers.
With Luka Dončić handling most of the scoring responsibilities for the Lakers, this pick focuses on LeBron’s production as a rebounder and facilitator. He has surpassed this combined total in four of his last five appearances.
James has been consistently productive in both areas this month, averaging 7.7 rebounds and 7.6 assists in January. He also came close to recording a triple-double during Los Angeles’ recent win over the Denver Nuggets.
Until Austin Reaves returns to action, James is expected to take on a larger playmaking role, especially when Dončić is off the floor. The current lineup lacks reliable secondary ball-handlers, and LeBron is also a key contributor on the glass alongside Deandre Ayton.
Even at this stage of his career, James continues to impact games in subtle but meaningful ways, and the Lakers will need that veteran leadership to stay ahead of their crosstown rivals.
Lakers vs. Clippers Same-Game Parlay
The Lakers have gone 7-3 straight up in their last 10 meetings against the Clippers and hold a solid 14-8 road record this season. With Kawhi Leonard still listed as questionable, James Harden may again be tasked with carrying a heavy load. The Clippers are also coming off a game in which they allowed 138 points to the Chicago Bulls.
Harden has continued to fill the stat sheet, making the Over on his rebounding prop appealing. He has collected at least four rebounds in six of his past seven games, and the Clippers may prefer keeping him near the basket to avoid defensive matchups against Dončić.
Lakers vs. Clippers SGP:
- LeBron James Over 12.5 rebounds + assists
- Lakers moneyline
- James Harden Over 3.5 rebounds
“From Downtown” SGP: Brick by Brick
Ivica Zubac has struggled at times when switched onto Dončić, but the Clippers are expected to rely on him for extended minutes. Zubac has recorded three straight double-doubles and has secured 11 or more rebounds in four consecutive games.
Lakers vs. Clippers SGP:
- LeBron James Over 12.5 rebounds + assists
- Lakers moneyline
- James Harden Over 3.5 rebounds
- Ivica Zubac double-double
Lakers vs. Clippers Odds
- Spread: Lakers -1.5 (+100) | Clippers +1.5 (-120)
- Moneyline: Lakers -110 | Clippers -110
- Total: Over 223.5 (-110) | Under 223.5 (-110)
Betting Trend to Watch
The Lakers are 5-2 against the spread in their last seven matchups with the Clippers.