Lakers vs Suns Game 5 Picks: Don’t Count out LeBron James

The LA Lakers are in trouble. Or at least that is what everyone wants you to think. The Suns won the last game in LA and the series is knotted at 2 games apiece. Anthony Davis is hurting and the Lakers look vulnerable. The “experts” have spoken and the Lakers vs Suns Game 5 predictions are pointing towards the Suns. You can bet on the Suns if you want, but I will not bet against LeBron James with his back against the wall.

Lakers vs Suns Game 5 Odds

The point spread can tell a story in any game and it most certainly does in this one. The Suns are 5 point favorites against the Lakers. I do realize that the Suns are at home and the Lakers will be hurting without Anthony Davis, but five points??

Lakers star Anthony Davis is unlikely to play in Game 5 vs. Suns on Tuesday due to strained groin, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. There’s optimism about Davis‘ status as series continues and as he is evaluated day-to-day.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 31, 2021

That’s a big number. I can bet on the best player in basketball and the best team in basketball and get points? The Suns were favored in game one and it looked too good to be true, but this game is different.

Overreaction to the Action

This point-spread is high for two reasons. One, the Suns had a big win in LA, and two the Anthony Davis injury. In fact, the spread opened up at 4.5 and moved to 5 as the public started to bet against the Lakers. The Lakers are now underdogs to win this series.

Updated series price via @WilliamHillUS: Lakers (+155) vs. Suns (-180).

Series tied 2-2.

— David Payne Purdum (@DavidPurdum) May 31, 2021

This will not last. The Lakers and LeBron are a favorite of the basketball betting public, so your best bet is to bet it right now.

Leave it to LeBron

There may be another team in the west that can beat the Lakers, but it’s not Phoenix. LeBron is at his best when his back is against the wall. He cannot do it alone, but he does know how to get the best out of his teammates. As a leader, he is going to get this team to stand up and play to the best of their ability without AD. The Lakers are a perfect 4-0 against the spread (ATS) in the last four games after a loss. They know how to respond to adversity.

Missing Links

The Lakers need Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Montrezl Harrell to show up. The numbers show it as his +9.3 net rating is something that the Lakers need right now. Marc Gasol is an efficient and smart veteran that can pick his shots and provide a big body that can open up the paint and score. This was clear with his performance in game four when he shoots above 40 percent from the floor.

NBA teams rise to the occasion when they know they will be without a key contributor. With Davis, most likely out of the lineup, several Laker players will step in to help. LeBron will make sure that it will happen.