LeBron James Odds and NBA Props: The LeBron Show Hits the Strip

The NBA In-Season Tournament semifinals are here, with the attention of the basketball world turning to Las Vegas on Thursday night. With apologies to the first game on tonight’s schedule, the main course is the nightcap between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Los Angeles Lakers. 

The Lakers may not look like a title contender this season, but LeBron James has made it clear that he wants to win the first-ever NBA Cup to cement his legacy. The NBA odds suggest Los Angeles is now one of the favorites to win the inaugural tournament, and James’ play has been a big reason why.

Let’s take a look at the LeBron James odds to find a couple of great NBA player props in our free NBA picks for the In-Season Tournament semifinals.

While you’re at it, take a look at our full coverage with Pelicans vs. Lakers predictions as well as Pelicans vs. Lakers props for more expert picks on tonight’s game

LeBron James NBA prop picks

• Over 43.5 pts+reb+ast
• Over 43.5 pts+reb+ast/James 2+ threes/Lakers ML

Click on each pick to jump to the full analysis.

LeBron James NBA prop pick

Over 43.5 points + rebounds + assists (-102)

Before the In-Season Tournament began, it was an open question as to how much players would care about this new addition to the schedule. Players and fans alike have since bought into the event in a big way, and nobody has exemplified that more than LeBron James. 

LeBron may be near the end of his illustrious career — or maybe not, considering how he’s still playing — and the 38-year-old is looking for another honor to add to his legacy. The NBA Cup is the perfect opportunity for him to add another unique piece of hardware. After all, if Los Angeles wins this year, it will always be the first team to win the In-Season Tournament. 

James has responded by saving some of his best basketball for the tournament. He averaged 25 points per game during group play, and stepped up even further in this week’s quarterfinals matchup against the Phoenix Suns, going off for 31 points.

Of course, James can do a lot more than just score. Against the Suns, he also dished out 11 assists, grabbed eight rebounds, and totaled five steals on defense. For those not keeping track, that means LeBron finished with a total of 50 points, rebounds, and assists on Tuesday.

That’s been typical when James has had to play serious minutes during the In-Season Tournament. In three games, his combined points/rebounds/assists total has been at least 49. The two times he didn’t reach this total, he played 24 minutes or less in absolute blowout wins against the Memphis Grizzlies and the Utah Jazz.

I expect the Lakers to have their hands full with the Pelicans tonight in Las Vegas. That means LeBron will be in the game as much as possible, likely playing something close to the 40 minutes he logged against Phoenix in the quarterfinals. 

When James plays that much and cares as much as he does about getting the NBA Cup, you know he’ll put up huge numbers. As long as this game is reasonably close, LeBron should surpass his 43.5 total for combined points, rebounds, and assists without too much trouble.

Prop: LeBron James Over 43.5 points + rebounds + assists (-102 at FanDuel)

LeBron James NBA same-game parlay

LeBron James Over 43.5 pts+reb+ast

LeBron James 2+ made threes

Lakers moneyline

33% boost available

+222 +295 at DraftKings

James has made it clear that he wants to win the NBA Cup, and that has shown in his tournament games so far, so I see no reason not to expect him to put up big numbers again on Thursday night.

Next, I’m going to take James to hit at least two 3-pointers tonight. LeBron has hit this modest total in all five of his In-Season Tournament games so far, even when he has been pulled early. He’s also done so in 10 of his last 13 games overall, making this a safe way to add a little extra value to our parlay.

Finally, I’m taking the Lakers to win tonight’s game outright. The Pelicans will be in this one, and Los Angeles will be tested from start to finish. But our SGP already predicts that LeBron will be coming up big, and that means the Lakers have a much better chance of coming out on top. 

Los Angeles is 5-2 when James combines for at least 44 total points, rebounds, and assists this year, including a 3-0 record when he has done so in tournament games. With LeBron at the helm and taking control in key moments, the Lakers should come out on top and bring home our same-game parlay.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

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