Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton has found his place in his new team and gets to go against his old one tonight at Crypto.com Arena.
Ayton and L.A. host the Phoenix Suns, and my Suns vs. Lakers predictions like the big man to stuff the stat sheet.
Here are my best NBA picks for Monday, December 1.
Suns vs Lakers prediction
Suns vs Lakers best bet: DeAndre Ayton Double-Double - Yes (+155)
Deandre Ayton, who spent his first five pro seasons with the Phoenix Suns, has thrived for the Los Angeles Lakers over the past two weeks.
Outside of leaving a matchup with the Utah Jazz early due to a knee contusion on November 23, the 7-footer has scored 17 points or more in five of his last six games while crashing the glass for double-figure rebounds in four of those.
Ayton finished with 22 points and 12 rebounds in Sunday’s win over the Pelicans before leaving in the fourth quarter with knee soreness. However, he put the nerves of Lakers Nation to rest after the game.
"He kind of tweaked my little collision I had the other day in Utah. JJ (Redick) said he was going to sub me out regardless, so it was good timing," Ayton told reporters. "It cooled down after the game, so I'm good now. ... It wasn't anything crazy. I just really felt it right there."
With LeBron James expected to return to action after sitting out Sunday, Ayton will find a lot of room inside to score and battle on the boards. The Lakers’ star-studded perimeter of James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves stretches opponents and forces a lot of double teams and weak-side help.
Player projections for Ayton range from 13 to 16 points vs. Phoenix, while his rebounding forecasts sit between nine and 11 boards. He’s averaging 15.4 rebound chances per game on the season.
Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account
Suns vs Lakers same-game parlay
Ayton has been huge for L.A. the past two weeks, averaging 17 points and 10.5 rebounds over his last six games.
James is back after a rest spot Sunday. He’ll take over ball-handling duties and find his talented teammates, with projections calling for seven assists.
The Lakers are playing the second of back-to-back games, but have too much firepower for the Suns to stop. It could be close, but L.A. gets another win.
Suns vs Lakers SGP
- Deandre Ayton double-double
- LeBron James Over 6.5 assists
- Lakers moneyline
Our "from downtown" SGP: Booker does his part
Even in a likely loss, Devin Booker does his best in the house that Kobe built and soars Over his scoring prop.
Suns vs Lakers SGP
- Deandre Ayton double-double
- LeBron James Over 6.5 assists
- Lakers moneyline
- Devin Booker Over 26.5 points
Suns vs Lakers odds
- Spread: Suns +4.5 (-110) | Lakers -4.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Suns +170 | Lakers -205
- Over/Under: Over 234.5 (-110) | Under 234.5 (-110)
Suns vs Lakers betting trend to know
The Los Angeles Lakers have hit the Moneyline in 53 of their last 81 games (+16.15 Units / 8% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Suns vs. Lakers.
How to watch Suns vs Lakers
| Location | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Monday, December 1, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Peacock |
Suns vs Lakers latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
