LeBron James was bounced in Round 1 of the playoffs for the first time in his career, but we don’t expect that to happen two years in a row. GM Rob Pelinka retooled the roster, added Russell Westbrook and should have a healthy LeBron and Anthony Davis.

Sportsbooks love what the Lakers bring to the table with this new-look roster, and most NBA picks involving the Lakers are going to be good ones.

Lakers Win-Total Betting

The Line: 53.5 (-110) at FanDuel

It’s the highest win total in the Western Conference, and a slew of new faces gives hope to the Over. Though LeBron-led teams typically take the regular season slow and play for May and June, there may be some more urgency after last year’s early exit. We think Frank Vogel & Co. stay aggressive early in the regular season and earn home-court advantage in Round 1.

The Bet: Grab the Over at FanDuel thanks to a rejuvenated supporting cast around LeBron.

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Lakers Division Odds

The Line: -106 with BetMGM

The Pacific Division will be a two-team race between the Lakers and the Suns. Betting sites have pegged the Lakers as favorites, but we’re also keeping an NBA betting eye on the Warriors with a healthy Klay Thompson. Phoenix will naturally regress after last year’s historic run, while Golden State may take some time to get up and running with new pieces and Thompson.

The Bet: The Lakers should win the Pacific here. The NBA odds are close but we like LA to wrap up the division with room to spare. Take the bet at BetMGM Sportsbook.

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Lakers Western Conference Odds

The Line: +160 at WynnBET

LeBron James has a way of winning his conference. In fact, he’s done it 10 times in his Hall of Fame career. Injuries got in the way of an 11th trip to the Finals, but there’s plenty of optimism in Los Angeles. Betting sites have the Lakers as the favorites, and we agree. They’re going to get back to elite status in 2022.

The Bet: We’re in on the Lakers winning the West at WynnBET,.

Lakers NBA Title Odds

The Line: +350 with PointsBet Sportsbook

You know the drill: If LeBron James is standing upright, the Lakers are a good bet in the postseason. The Lakers surrounded him with plenty of shooters, added Russell Westbrook to the mix, and hope to have a healthy Anthony Davis in May and June. As far as NBA futures go, this is always going to be a smart play.

The Bet: A bet on LeBron in the playoffs and his NBA title odds is always a good bet at PointsBet Sportsbook.

Best Lakers Player Prop Bets

The Line: Anthony Davis, Defensive Player of the Year, +700 at DraftKings

The Lakers will once again be one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, and they’ll be led by Davis, who finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2019 and will be in contention for this award if he can stay healthy. He’s not the favorite, but betting apps have him listed near the top of the odds list here.

The Bet: Davis has done so much in his illustrious career, and it seems inevitable that he’ll win this award one day. Why not in 2022? Bet on it at DraftKings Sportsbook.

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