Lakers vs. Clippers NBA expert prediction and odds for Tuesday, Jan. 23 (LAC elite as

The Los Angeles Clippers have dropped two games to the Los Angeles Lakers – a surprising development in this rivalry this season.

Prior to the 2023-24 campaign, the Clippers had won 11 straight games against the Lakers. 

Oddsmakers expect the Clips to turn the series in their favor again on Tuesday, as they are nine-point favorites in a home game at Crypto.com Arena.

LeBron James (ankle) is out for this game, which means the Lakers will have to rely heavily on Anthony Davis in this matchup. The Lakers are just 8-9 against the spread as underdogs this season. 

Let’s dive into the odds and a best bet for this matchup:

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Lakers injury report

Clippers injury report

Los Angeles Lakers

D’Angelo Russell: With James out, Russell should see a massive role on offense – something he’s thrived in as of late. The lefty guard is averaging 27.2 points per game in five games since returning to the starting lineup. He and Anthony Davis will be the top options for the Lakers tonight.

Los Angeles Clippers

Paul George: The Clippers wing is quietly putting together one of the best seasons of his career, shooting 41.8 percent from 3 (a career-high) and averaging 23.6 points per game. George had 35 in the first meeting with the Lakers and 22 in the last meeting. He could be in line for a big game tonight with James out.

This may end up feeling more like a home game for the Lakers than the Clippers, but the Clips have dominated as favorites this season, going 21-13 against the spread. 

Even though the Lakers are playing better as of late, pulling back to .500 on the season, the Clippers are 8-2 in their last 10 games and have been humming with their superstar core finally starting to gel. 

I have a hard time backing the Lakers without James, as the team is 2-2 without him this season and 15-16 over the last two seasons when he sits. 

Even though this is a lot of points to lay with the Clips, the Lakers have been one of the worst teams in the league against the spread all season. Give me Kawhi Leonard and company to cover. 

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Find Peter Dewey's NBA betting record here (futures included). You can also follow my daily plays on BetStamp here.