The first game of the post-LeBron James era in Los Angeles takes place Wednesday night as the Lakers host the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena. This Warriors-Lakers matchup will have a much different feel than it has in years past.
The Lakers made the NBA Playoffs as the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference last season and beat Houston in the first round before being swept by Oklahoma City in the semifinals. With James now in Philadelphia, the Lakers move forward with Luka Dončić as the face of the franchise.
After a dominant run that included four NBA championships since the 2014-15 season, the Warriors are no longer the daunting threat they once were. Golden State has missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons, including a 37-45 finish last year when it failed to reach the postseason through the play-in tournament.
One thing remains constant for the Warriors, and that’s two-time MVP Stephen Curry still leading the backcourt after all these years. However, Curry is dealing with an ankle injury, and although he’s listed as probable for Wednesday night, his health is something to monitor as tip-off approaches.
Our Warriors vs. Lakers best player prop bets, predictions, and odds are featured below ahead of Wednesday night’s Western Conference showdown.
Warriors vs. Lakers Odds
Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook lists the Lakers as home favorites to open their 2026-27 campaign:
Best Player Prop Bets and Predictions for Warriors vs. Lakers
Below, we’re highlighting two of the best player prop bets for Warriors vs. Lakers using basketball betting insights and trends from the Stats Hub:
Walker Kessler Over 12.5 Points (-110)
The Lakers acquired 25-year-old center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a blockbuster sign-and-trade during the offseason, signing him to a four-year, $130 million contract. Kessler played just five games with the Jazz last season after suffering a season-ending torn labrum in his left shoulder, but the Lakers have big plans for him.
Although Kessler played for a different team, the Stats Hub notes that he’s riding a seven-game streak of scoring 13 or more points in home games against Pacific Division opponents. He was averaging a career-high 14.4 points per game before his injury last season, an improvement from his 11.1 average in 2024-25.
Kessler isn’t the Lakers’ primary scoring option, but he’ll face a Warriors team without center Kristaps Porziņģis, who is out indefinitely due to an undisclosed health-related issue. With a clear height advantage at the center position, Kessler could have a favorable matchup Wednesday night.
- Walker Kessler Over 12.5 Points (-110)
Luka Dončić Over 3.5 Threes Made (-135)
Luka Dončić led the NBA in scoring last season and also led all qualified players in three-point field goals made and attempted. The Stats Hub also notes that Dončić has made four or more three-pointers in seven consecutive home games.
With LeBron James gone, this is now Dončić’s team. He’s the clear No. 1 option in the Lakers’ offense, an elite scorer, and a dangerous threat from beyond the arc.
- Luka Dončić Over 3.5 Threes Made (-135)
Most-Bet Warriors vs. Lakers Player Props
Luka Dončić and Stephen Curry are two of the NBA’s most lethal shooters and are clearly popular targets in player prop markets for Wednesday night’s game. Check out the top five most-bet player prop Overs and Unders below:
Top 5 Most-Bet Player Prop Overs
- Luka Dončić – To Record 25+ Points (Over 24.5)
- Stephen Curry – To Record 20+ Points (Over 19.5)
- Luka Dončić – To Record 30+ Points (Over 29.5)
- Stephen Curry – Over 24.5 Points
- Luka Dončić – Over 32.5 Points
Top 5 Most-Bet Player Prop Unders
- Luka Dončić – Under 32.5 Points
- Austin Reaves – Under 24.5 Points
- Stephen Curry – Under 4.5 Threes Made
- Stephen Curry – Under 24.5 Points
- Luka Dončić – Under 48.5 Points + Assists + Rebounds
Warriors vs. Lakers Game Info
- 📍 Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
- 📅 Date: Wednesday, Oct. 21
- ⏰ Tip-Off: 10:00 PM ET
- 📺💻 TV/Streaming: ESPN
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Referenced odds are subject to change.
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