After having more than a week to rest, the Oklahoma City Thunder welcome the Los Angeles Lakers to town on Tuesday, May 5.
To help with your NBA picks, we're here to provide NBA player prop projections for tonight's game, including one for LeBron James.
For more intel, read our complete Lakers vs. Thunder predictions.
Lakers vs Thunder computer picks for Game 1
 Lakers |
 Thunder |
|---|---|
| Kennard o1.5 threes +145 |
Mitchell u3.5 rebounds +115 |
| James o19.5 points -145 |
Dort o6.5 points -112 |
| Ayton o9.5 points -120 |
Caruso o1.5 assists -145 |
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Lakers Game 1 computer picks
Luke Kennard Over 1.5 threes (+145)
Projection: 2.02 threes
This is a five-star play according to our model, providing a whopping 26.08% EV edge. Luke Kennard has slowed down since his first few games against Houston, but we all know how good a shooter he is.
Two threes is not asking for much, and it's a great play at this price.
LeBron James Over 19.5 points (-145)
Projection: 22.63 points
LeBron James refuses to age, averaging 23.2 points per game in the Los Angeles Lakers' series win over the Rockets. Twenty points is a line Bron crossed in four of six games in Round 1, and with still no Luka, the King will need to wear the crown on offense.
Deandre Ayton Over 9.5 points (-120)
Projection: 11.53 points
Deandre Ayton may not be the guy, but he certainly did his part in helping the Lakers advance. The big man averaged 11.8 ppg on 60% shooting vs. Houston, and he's the best option L.A. has to keep up with the Oklahoma City Thunder's size.
He might put up the quietest 10 points you'll ever see, but it'll cash all the same.
Thunder Game 1 computer picks
Ajay Mitchell Under 3.5 rebounds (+115)
Projection: 3.31 rebounds
Our model sees a 20.01% EV edge on this bet. Ajay Mitchell cruised by this line in all three games vs. Phoenix, but the Lakers will provide more of a fight on the glass. There are only so many boards to go around, and OKC might be up so big in the fourth that Mitchell's playing time could be cut.
Luguentz Dort Over 7.5 points (-112)
Projection: 8.15 points
Lu Dort is an effective 3-and-D option for the Thunder, and he eclipsed this points line in three of four against Phoenix. The Lakers will have their hands full with SGA and Chet, which will leave Dort wide open for makable threes.
Alex Caruso Over 1.5 assists (-145)
Projection: 2.62 assists
Alex Caruso knows how to create for his teammates, and he'll be asked to do more against L.A. than he was in Round 1. Averaging over 20 minutes per game, Caruso will create enough shots for his teammates to collect two dimes.
How to watch Lakers vs Thunder Game 1
| Location | Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK |
| Date | Tuesday, May 5, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | Peacock/NBC |
Not intended for use in MA.
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