LA Lakers vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction and Betting Tips | Dec. 6, 2024 

The LA Lakers are in shambles. Head coach JJ Redick called the team's 41-point drubbing to the Miami Heat "embarrassing". LeBron James defended the coaching staff and Anthony Davis reiterated the fact he hates losing as the Purple and Gold continued to skid.

Between player health, inconsistency, and shortage of the right pieces, LA can rightly be scratched off the contenders' list with their three-pronged issues as they sit ninth in an unforgiving West with an unimpressive 12-10 record.

It's hard to determine which version of the Lakers will show up when they play the impressive Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on Friday. The hosts are on a high with a five-game winning streak while the Lakers, with their win-one-lose-two approach, are yet to find any level of consistency as they approach the 25-game mark.

Overcoming adversity is the theme for LA when they play Trae Young's Hawks that's one of the hottest teams in the Eastern Conference. They have the best winning streak after the Dallas Mavericks (six straight) in the league, propping up wins over the top-seed Cleveland Cavaliers and the No. 5 Milwaukee Bucks.

The contest will revolve around the Lakers' defense against the Hawks' eighth-placed offense (116.6 points per game). Unlike the Miami Heat which capitalized on LA's defensive shortcomings, their opponents on Thursday play with pace and love to dictate the game early on.

Redick's defensive schemes have to be spot-on if they intend to stop the Hawks from getting away with an early lead, forcing the Lakers to play catch-up. Both teams met twice last season and split the series. The Lakers lead Atlanta 197-143 in 340 regular season meetups.

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LA Lakers vs Atlanta Hawks Preview, predicted starting lineups, betting tips, odds, and prediction

The LA Lakers versus Atlanta Hawks tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET. Local coverage will be on SportsNet LA and FDSSE. The game can be streamed live on Fubo TV (regional restrictions may apply) and on the NBA app with a subscription to the NBA League Pass.

Here are the odds as listed at the time of writing:

Teams	Spread	Total (o/u)	Moneyline
LA Lakers	+4.5	o231 (-110)	+145
Atlanta Hawks	-4.5	u231 (-112)	-175

Note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off.

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LA Lakers vs Atlanta Hawks Preview

The Hawks' scintillating offense revolves around Trae Young's 20.7 and 12.0 assists per contest. Their defense is spearheaded by young Dyson Daniels who has shown he can be an absolute force on that end. As far as matchups go, the Lakers will need more from their starters and Davis to stay in the fight or even put one up.

With LeBron James listed as questionable with left foot soreness, the onus is on the likes of Rui Hachimura to step up offensively and provide that juice on the rebounding and defensive end.

LA's defense comes into focus yet again. They are placed 22nd in points allowed, as their opponents shoot 48.2 percent (26th) and 36.7 percent from the 3-point line (21st). The Lakers concede 115 points per 100 possessions. They allow 115.7 points per game on average. The Hawks are 27th on scoring defense allowing 118.4 points per game and 111.3 points per every 100 possessions.

The visitors' offense has taken a hit as well after their recent string of losses. They are tenth in offensive efficiency. Their 111.5 points per game sees them 17th in scoring offense as they prop up 111.3 points per every 100 possessions. Atlanta, as aforementioned is eighth in scoring offense and averaging 109.4 points per every 100 possessions.

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LA Lakers vs Atlanta Hawks Predicted Starting Lineups

The Lakers might see a change in their starting five with James (left foot soreness) listed as questionable as his son Bronny James (left heel contusion). Anthony Davis (left plantar fasciitis) is listed as probable.

Reserve center Jaxson Hayes (right ankle sprain), Austin Reaves (left pelvic contusion), Jarred Vanderbilt (right foot surgery recovery,) and Christian Wood (left knee surgery recovery) will be sidelined for the clash.

Position	Player
PG	D'Angelo Russell
SG	Cam Reddish
SF	Dalton Knecht
PF	Rui Hachimura
C	Anthony Davis

The Hawks have listed Trae Young (right Achilles tendinitis) as probable. Cody Zeller (personal reasons) is out.

Position	Player
PG	Trae Young
SG	Dyson Daniels
SF	Zaccharie Risacher
PF	Jalen Johnson
C	Clint Capela

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LA Lakers vs Atlanta Hawks Betting Tips

Trae Young comes into the contest with an o/u of +100/-120 on points. Clint Capela is -120/-115 on points + rebounds. Jalen Johnson is -125/-115 on points and rebounds. For the LA Lakers, LeBron James is -106/-115 on points.

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LA Lakers vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction

The Lakers will need to put more effort on both ends of the floor to end their road trip with a win. It's been another torrid away stretch as they inch closer to just winning 50% of their games. The Hawks are the better team between the two and are easy picks to win this contest. Expect a fight from LA, but Atlanta coming out ahead.