LeBron James was asked what the Los Angeles Lakers need from him in these final games of the regular season.
His answer was simple: Everything.
With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves injured, James is battling to keep L.A. as the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference. And he’s done just that – everything – for the Lakers, totaling 56 points, 26 assists, and 17 rebounds the past two games.
Our Suns vs. Lakers predictions see LeBron’s stat line taking a step back Friday, at least in one category.
My NBA picks are playing it cool with LeBron’s assist total tonight.
Suns vs Lakers prediction
Suns vs Lakers best bet: LeBron James Under 9.5 Assists (-120)
With Luka Doncic down, LeBron James has taken over as the Los Angeles Lakers’ primary ball handler, and that’s pumped up his passing potential, recording 11 and 15 dimes the past two games.
However, while LeBron has been doing it all for L.A., he could get some help in the backcourt.
Veteran guard Marcus Smart is trending toward a return tonight. Smart hasn’t played since March 21 due to an ankle injury, but coach J.J. Redick is “hopeful” to have him back versus the Phoenix Suns.
Smart gives L.A. much-needed backcourt depth and allows James to play his natural position off the ball, making him more of a shooter than a facilitator. Before Luka got hurt, James was averaging around seven assists during the Lakers’ red-hot run through March.
There are a few other factors that could temper his passing prowess versus Phoenix.
James did hurt his hand attempting a block last night, yet stayed in the game. He’s now taking the court for the second of back-to-back outings after logging 32 hard minutes Thursday.
And then there’s always Dillon Brooks.
The Suns’ pest will only have eyes for James tonight. Brooks is a premier defender, and while LeBron has had mixed scoring results against him, he’s posted three, four, and six assists in their three head-to-head meeting this season.
Player projections are also cooling on James’ playmaking versus the Suns. His assist forecasts top out at 8.1, with most sitting shy of eight dimes against an inflated assist O/U.
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Suns vs Lakers same-game parlay
Los Angeles is pushing for the No. 4 seed and can’t afford a loss. Phoenix has nothing at stake, parked at No. 7, and is playing without its starting backcourt, including Devin Booker.
James sees his 3-point activity spike whenever Austin Reaves is out. He’s attempted 11 triples the past two games, including making three shots from distance in the win over Golden State last night.
Suns vs Lakers SGP
- Lakers moneyline
- LeBron James Under 9.5 assists
- LeBron James Over 1.5 made threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: Hollywood Knight
If Smart returns, LeBron can play an off-ball scoring role and set up his shots. He’s been big on the boards, with eight and nine rebounds the last two games. The Suns run a lot of small ball, so James can body his way on the glass. Projections sit at 7+ rebounds.
Suns vs Lakers SGP
- Lakers moneyline
- LeBron James Under 9.5 assists
- LeBron James Over 1.5 made threes
- LeBron James Over 6.5 rebounds
Suns vs Lakers odds
- Spread: Suns -2.5 | Lakers +2.5
- Moneyline: Suns -120 | Lakers +140
- Over/Under: Over 218 | Under 218
Suns vs Lakers betting trend to know
The Lakers are 17-10 SU and ATS in the second game of back-to-back games over the past two seasons, including an 8-5 ATS record in those turnarounds this year. Find more NBA betting trends for Suns vs. Lakers.
How to watch Suns vs Lakers
| Location | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Friday, April 10, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | AZFS, Spectrum SportsNet |
Suns vs Lakers latest injuries
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