LA Lakers vs Golden State Warriors Prediction and Betting Tips for Dec. 25 | 2024 NBA Christmas Day 

The LA Lakers and Golden State Warriors reignite their rivalry on the NBA's biggest midseason slate on 2024 Christmas Day. It's also their first matchup of the season. The high-stakes clash at Chase Center will be the main draw on Wednesday, courtesy of the highly anticipated head-to-head between LeBron James and Steph Curry, who have met on the same stage thrice before.

LeBron holds the edge with two wins, once with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 and the Lakers in 2018. With this potentially being their final matchup on Christmas, both superstars will be determined to get the win. LeBron will take home a 3-1 win, while Curry gets a chance to settle the scores.

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LA Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips

Money line: Lakers +141, Warriors -168

Spread: Lakers +4 (110), Warriors -4 (-110)

Total Over/Under: Lakers o223.5 (-110), Warriors u223.5 (110)

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LA Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors Preview

The 16-13 Lakers enter this contest as the more unpredictable team despite a nearly identical record as the 15-13 Warriors. LeBron James and Co. have had significant ups and downs in spurts. They are on a 4-2 run over the past six games but are coming off a 117-114 home loss to the Detroit Pistons.

Over this stretch, their defense has been elite, ranking second among all teams with a 102.5 rating. However, the offense that clicked well as any other team early in the season under JJ Redick has gone cold. The Lakers are among the bottom five in that aspect, with a 105.1 rating.

Their 3-point shooting has consistently been a concern in that span. LA reworked some of its offense against the Pistons on Monday, generating more open shots on the perimeter, resulting in a 14-for-30 3-point shooting night. However, the Lakers couldn't handle Detroit's physicality and lost the game with 18 turnovers.

On the other hand, the Warriors began the season all guns blazing, with a 10-2 start. However, it wasn't sustainable. They've been in a slump ever since, going 5-11. The Warriors are 2-4 in their past six games, coming off a 111-105 home loss against the Indiana Pacers.

They are 10th worst offensively in that stretch with a 110.0 rating and fifth worst on defense with a 118.3 rating. The Warriors haven't been getting any collective wins lately. They are too dependent on Steph Curry, who is struggling heavily, averaging 14.3 points in his past three outings on 29.0% shooting.

Nevertheless, if he can manage an efficient night and the role players continue their momentum from the Pacers game, Golden State could win against the Lakers.

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LA Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors Predicted Starting 5s

Lakers

PG - Austin Reaves, SG - Max Christie, SF - Rui Hachimura, PF - LeBron James, C - Anthony Davis

Warriors

PG - Steph Curry, SG - Dennis Schroder, SF - Andrew Wiggins, PF - Draymond Green, C - Trayce Jackson-Davis

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LA Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors Betting Tips

Anthony Davis is favored to score over 25.5 points. He is averaging 26.6 points on the season.

LeBron James is favored to record under 8.5 assists. He is averaging 9.0 per contest and 8.6 in December.

Steph Curry is favored to make over 4.5 3s. He hasn't shot well lately but still has 16 made 3s in his last four outings.

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LA Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors Prediction

The oddsmakers marginally favor the Golden State Warriors with a -4-point spread and -168 money line despite their poor form compared to the LA Lakers over the past six games. The Warriors have a homecourt advantage and a three-game winning streak against LA from last season.