Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

LeBron James leads his Los Angeles Lakers side to San Francisco to face the Golden State Warriors in an NBA Western Conference game. This Christmas Day game is another episode of the superstar rivalry between LeBron James and Stephen Curry. The Warriors, who ran out 3-1 over the Lakers in last season’s series, are favorites to win the basketball game. The Golden State Warriors (15-13) have one win in their last five games and are No.8 in the West, while James and the Lakers (16-13) are the No.7 seed, with three wins from four.

BASKETBALL: NBA Regular Season

Where to Watch: ABC

Venue: Chase Center, San Francisco

Date: 26.12.2024 04:00

The Golden State Warriors lost 111-105 against the Indiana Pacers Monday night for their fourth defeat in five games. Any signs of a Warriors’ recovery after beating the Minnesota Timberwolves were extinguished on a cold evening for the Warriors’ starters. Jonathan Kuminga led the Golden State with 26 points and eight rebounds, coming off the bench to answer Coach Steve Kerr’s earlier criticism. Stephen Curry endured a 2-for-13 shooting to finish with 10 points, missing the chance to get his team into the lead with less than 50 seconds on the clock. With Curry still not firing consistently, the coach has noticed new point guard Dennis Schroder’s leadership roles, but he needs to adapt quickly to help stop the rapid slide of the Warriors down the standings.

That [Minnesota] game was so illuminating for me. Watching Dennis and his leadership when we talk about point guard, we see that it's not just how to run, pick and roll, or guard the ball; it's leadership. What he did in that game, his second game with us, barely knowing anybody, pulling young guys aside, pulling the whole group together. He's a true leader, and that's one of the reasons we wanted him.

Steve Kerr

The Los Angeles Lakers have enjoyed vintage LeBron James since his return from a foot injury. James’ return saw him lead his team to win three straight and move up the table. The superstar scored 32 points as the Lakers beat the Sacramento Kings last Saturday. Anthony Davis’ return to form means the Lakers, who began the season excellently, going 10-4 by late November, are in good form to make it to the playoffs. James and Davis are questionable for this Christmas Day game as the Lakers continue to manage their health. Against the Detroit Pistons in their last game Monday night, the Lakers lost 117-114, with LeBron James missing an opportunity to tie the game in the final seconds.

The LA Lakers are 2.45 underdogs on Bet365, with the Golden State Warriors at 1.90, which is a good score to close the (-4.0) spread. Total Over 225.5 is priced at 1.96 on Betway, with the Under at 1.64 odds. The LA Lakers are 1.735 to win with a (+5.5) handicap on 1xBet, which has the Golden State at 1.9, scoring over 113.5 points. Read more here.