Best NBA prop bets today for Lakers vs. Grizzlies (How to bet on LeBron James)

Apr 11, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) tosses up powder before playing against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) tosses up powder before playing against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Lakers got through the Play-In Tournament by physically dominating a team that was thin in the front court and that might be the recipe against Jaren Jackson Jr. and the Memphis Grizzlies in round one.

Memphis is the No. 2 seed in the West, but they’re only small favorites over LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and LA.

The Lakers will look to dominate inside, but JJJ is a Defensive Player of the Year candidate because of his prowess in the paint, so it’ll be an interesting battle to monitor and to bet one in the prop market.

Here are my three favorite props for Game 1 in Memphis.

Lakers vs. Grizzlies best NBA prop bets

Jaren Jackson Jr. UNDER 19.5 Points (-110)
Anthony Davis OVER 25.5 Points (-110)
LeBron James OVER 6.5 Assists (+105)

Jaren Jackson Jr. UNDER 19.5 Points (-110)

JJJ played under 30 minutes a game this season because he always found himself in foul trouble. AD and Lebron are too smart for that, I expect them to go inside and force JJJ to contest. Jackson just won’t be on the court enough to score 20 points on the other end.

Anthony Davis OVER 25.5 Points (-110)

AD could get 15 points at the foul line in this game. Jackson Jr. is a foul machine and AD will take advantage of that. The Grizzlies have had some many injuries in their front court and AD will feast against all of their undersized players that will attempt to stop him.

LeBron James OVER 6.5 Assists (+105)

In the Play-In game, LeBron had six assists, but the Lakers only shot 31% from three in the game. If they hit a few more kickout threes then he’ll have more assists. Plus, I expect him to control the pace and dissect Memphis’s defense. He’ll want to play slow and keep Ja Morant out of transition and that means more time with the ball in his hands.

Follow all Josh Yourish’s bets HERE

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change