Warriors vs. Lakers prediction and odds for NBA Summer League (Golden State undervalued)

The wrong team may be favored in the Warriors-Lakers Summer League matchup.
Golden State Warriors forward Gui Santos (15).
Golden State Warriors forward Gui Santos (15). / Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
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The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers play the late game on the opening night of the NBA’s Las Vegas Summer LEague, but both teams have two games under their belt from the California Classic earlier this week. 

The Lakers went 0-2 in Cali, losing to the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs while the Warriors went 1-1 with their lone loss coming to Keegan Murray and the Sacramento Kings. 

The Warriors have some solid young talent with first-round pick Brandin Podziemski and potential roster addition Lester Quinones leading the way. 

The Lakers, led by Max Christie and Jalen Hood-Schifino (this offseason’s first-round selection), will look to grab their first win of the summer on Friday night. 

Here are the latest odds and my best bet for this game: 

Warriors vs. Lakers odds, spread and total

Spread

  • Warriors +2.5 (-110)
  • Lakers -2.5 (-110)

Moneyline

  • Warriors: +120
  • Lakers: -140

Total

  • 185.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Warriors vs. Lakers prediction and pick

Golden State played well in the California Classic, only losing to a Kings team that had by far the best player on the floor in Murray. 

Despite that, the Warriors are set as underdogs in this game, which I think is an incorrect line. 

Los Angeles struggled shooting the ball from 3 against the Miami Heat in its Summer League opener, and it lost to the Victor Wembanyama-less Spurs in its second game. 

The Warriors have shown they can score this summer, putting up 98 and 94 points in their first two games. 

I think this team is poised to win this matchup, but I’ll gladly take the points in what is one of the wider spreads set for Friday’s action. 

Pick: Warriors +2.5 (-110)


Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.