LeBron James returns to his hometown when the Los Angeles Lakers visit the Cleveland Cavaliers Wednesday.
James has helped Los Angeles win four of its last five games, contributing in various ways. Tonight, my Lakers vs. Cavaliers predictions call for a packed stat sheet from LeBron, focusing on his assists and rebounds.
Here are my best NBA picks for January 28.
Lakers vs Cavaliers prediction
Lakers vs Cavaliers best bet: LeBron James Over 12.5 rebounds+assists (-105)
At this point in his career, every trip to Cleveland could be LeBron James' last. Does that shrinking window make tonight’s game extra important to the former face of the franchise?
Maybe.
Since signing with the Los Angeles Lakers back in 2018, James has only played in Cleveland six times. On his first few trips back home, he put on a show with great effort.
But James’ role on the Lakers has changed in the past two seasons, becoming a complementary piece to Luka Doncic that does the little things.
That’s been especially true over the past month, as James worked his way into form after missing the start of the season. So far in January, he’s averaging 6.9 assists and 7.3 rebounds over 13 games.
The Cleveland Cavaliers come into Wednesday with a patchwork rotation, missing some key players on both ends of the floor. Cleveland’s trademark defense of past seasons is absent, with the team sitting in the middle of the league in defensive rating.
The Cavs are 23rd in opponent assist-to-FGM ratio and have also struggled to keep foes off the glass, rated 22nd in rebounds allowed. That’s compounded by the loss of leading rebounder Evan Mobley (8.8 rpg) for the next week (ankle).
James’s player projections for this homecoming call for another busy box score, with my numbers at 6.9 assists and 6.9 assists. That should have his combo prop of rebounds + assists priced at Over 12.5 -145.
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Lakers vs Cavaliers same-game parlay
The Lakers are rolling on this road trip and face a Cavs lineup that is getting shuffled due to injuries.
LeBron will let it fly from outside. While he’s not shooting well, he’s still taking 4.5 attempts from beyond the arc.
Lakers vs Cavaliers SGP
- Lakers moneyline
- LeBron James Over 12.5 rebounds+assists
- LeBron James Over 1.5 threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: The King Has Returned
In six games in Cleveland as a Laker, James has posted a triple-double twice.
Lakers vs Cavaliers SGP
- Los Angeles Lakers moneyline
- LeBron James triple-double
Lakers vs Cavaliers odds
- Spread: Lakers +3 | Cavaliers -3
- Moneyline: Lakers +115 | Cavaliers -150
- Over/Under: Over 235 | Under 235
Lakers vs Cavaliers betting trend to know
Los Angeles is 5-2 SU and ATS in non-conference road games this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Cavaliers.
How to watch Lakers vs Cavaliers
| Location | Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH |
| Date | Wednesday, January 28, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Lakers vs Cavaliers latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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