The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most iconic teams in the NBA, making them a favorite among bettors year after year. For those focused on the Lakers, team-based bets provide an exciting opportunity to focus on collective performance rather than individual players. These types of bets offer a variety of ways to leverage research, take advantage of attractive odds, and uncover value. The Lakers have become even more intriguing for betting enthusiasts with key trades and a strong recent run. Below are the five best team-based bets to consider when wagering on the Lakers this season.
1. Moneyline Bets: Straightforward but Effective
A moneyline bet is the simplest form of wagering. You pick the Lakers to win or lose, with odds reflecting their chances. When Los Angeles is favored, the odds will be negative (e.g., -150), meaning you must risk more to win less. In cases where the team is called an underdog, the odds will shift positive (e.g., +200), offering higher payouts for riskier bets.
One key factor influencing the success of moneyline betting is understanding NBA betting odds and how they shift leading up to a game. Factors such as injuries, rest days, and public betting trends can all influence the line. If the Lakers are playing a back-to-back or missing a key player, oddsmakers may adjust the moneyline accordingly. Keeping track of these fluctuations can help bettors find value, whether wagering before the start of the match or using live betting when Los Angeles falls behind early but remains competitive (for example).
2. Point Spread Bets: Betting on Margin of Victory
Point spreads adjust the betting line to even out matchups. Instead of picking a straight winner, you bet on whether the Lakers will cover the spread. A line of Lakers -5.5 means they must win by six or more points to cover, while +5.5 means they must lose by five or fewer or win outright.
This type of wager is proper when facing weaker opponents. Los Angeles has a strong home-court advantage, often leading to larger spreads. Monitoring trends like back-to-back games or travel fatigue can help determine when they are more likely to cover or struggle against the spread.
3. Over/Under (Totals) Bets: Predicting Combined Points
Totals betting focuses on the combined final score rather than who wins. If the over/under is 225.5, you bet whether the scores of both teams will exceed or fall short of that number. The .5 is used here and in other bets to prevent ties, ensuring that all bets are either winners or losers, as a score cannot end in a half point.
The Lakers, known for high-scoring games, often drive overs, especially against teams with fast-paced offenses. However, when facing defensive-minded opponents, betting the under can be a strong play. Injury reports also impact totals, as missing key scorers or defenders can shift game flow significantly.
4. Team Totals: Focusing on the Lakers’ Scoring
Unlike standard over/under bets, team totals focus solely on one side. If the Lakers’ total is set at 112.5 points, you wager on whether they will score more or less than that number.
One of the most significant factors influencing team totals is roster availability. Key injuries, lineup changes, or coaching adjustments can significantly impact scoring output. This is where staying updated with NBA team news becomes essential. If a primary scorer is sidelined or a key defender is returning, the Lakers’ offensive rhythm could shift, affecting their ability to hit or miss their projected total. Checking reports on player status, rest days, and recent trends can help bettors make more informed decisions on these wagers.
5. First Half and First Quarter Bets: Short-Term Wagers
You can wager on shorter segments instead of betting on the entire game. The Lakers sometimes start strong but fade late, making first-quarter or first-half bets valuable. These lines function similarly to moneyline, spread, and total bets but are limited to specific game portions.
This approach works well when Los Angeles faces an opponent with slow starts. Conversely, live betting the second half could be a better play if they are known for sluggish openings but strong finishes. Monitoring recent trends in first-quarter and first-half performance is essential for these wagers.
A World of Choice
Betting on the Lakers goes beyond picking them to win. Team-based bets provide multiple ways to approach matchups through spreads, totals, or short-term markets. Understanding trends, injuries, and game flow is essential for making informed decisions. Using the right strategy can maximize value and improve long-term success in NBA betting.
