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Phoenix (12-9) at LA Lakers (15-4)
- When: Dec 1 2025, 10:00 PM
- Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- TV: Peacock
Phoenix vs LA Lakers Preview & Prediction
Spread: LA Lakers -5.0
Moneyline: LA Lakers (-200)
Total: 234.0
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Breakdown
The Lakers enter this matchup riding a seven game heater, and they have been treating opponents like speed bumps throughout the homestand. Their latest victory came Sunday when they tore through the Pelicans 133 to 121, exploding for a ridiculous 46 points in the opening quarter. That first period scoring burst was not only their best quarter of the season, it nearly cracked franchise history.
Luka Doncic continued to dominate with 34 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists, while Austin Reaves delivered one of his best outings of the year with 33 and eight assists. All of this happened without LeBron James, who sat due to foot soreness on the front end of the back to back. James is expected back for this one and has averaged 16.5 points, 8.3 assists and 5.0 rebounds since returning to action last month.
The Lakers also spent Sunday trying to sharpen their defensive identity. Their opponents have been shooting too well overall, but head coach JJ Redick believes the group is trending upward thanks to personnel like Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia. Smart has missed two straight games, but his impact shows up clearly in deflection and steal metrics when healthy.
With momentum, rested starters coming back into the lineup and an opponent that has forgotten what defense looks like, the Lakers catch Phoenix at the perfect time.
Lakers Player Prop Pick: Luka Doncic over 8.5 assists – With LeBron returning and Phoenix struggling defensively, Luka should rack up creation opportunities.
Phoenix Suns Betting Breakdown
Phoenix arrives in Los Angeles needing a defensive reset. They had won four of five before a rough two game swing where they surrendered 123 to Oklahoma City and 130 to Denver. The Nuggets torched them from everywhere, posting nearly 58 percent shooting from the field and from deep, numbers that will get anyone beat.
The Suns did welcome back Grayson Allen, though he still looked rusty, hitting only two shots from deep. Devin Booker scored 24 but could not buy a three, continuing a season long trend where his perimeter shooting sits below his normal level. Booker has been getting fewer open looks in half court sets and admitted that the rare clean transition threes he gets have not fallen either.
Dillon Brooks has offered consistent scoring in his first Phoenix season and Mark Williams has been their best rebounder, but Williams missed Saturday with calf soreness and is questionable again. Phoenix needs his presence badly after getting bullied in the paint repeatedly.
Ryan Dunn, who brings needed defensive size, is trending toward returning. Still, this is a team that enters the game leaking points and searching for answers on both ends.
Suns Player Prop Pick: Devin Booker over 27.5 points – Even with recent struggles from deep, Booker should see increased usage in a pace up spot.
NBA Final Score & Expert Prediction
The Lakers are rolling, healthier and far more organized on both ends than Phoenix right now. The Suns are dealing with defensive breakdowns, inconsistent shooting and frontcourt injuries at the worst possible moment. With Los Angeles controlling tempo and feeding off home momentum, the matchup leans heavily toward the favorites.
Final Score: Lakers 124, Suns 117
Lean: LA Lakers -5.0
Total: Over 234.0
- NBA Basketball Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
