Los Angeles Lakers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Picks and Predictions, Wednesday, January 28th, 2026
Use Code WWWC The Los Angeles Lakers (28-17) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (28-20) headline ESPN's Wednesday night slate for a primetime showdown in this Lakers vs. Cavaliers prediction. This is the first of two matchups between these teams this season. Los Angeles just played in Chicago, winning 129-118 and easily covering as 1.5-point road favorites. Cleveland is coming off a home win over Orlando 114-98, also covering as 5-point favorites. Tipoff is set for 7:00 EST an can be found on ESPN. Keep reading to see our Lakers vs. Cavaliers prediction, and check out all of our best NBA Picks.
Los Angeles Brings LeBron Home
One of the reasons this will be such a watched game is that the King is returning back to his home. LeBron James plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, but will always be remembered for his days in Cleveland when the home grown kid returned to bring a championship to Cleveland. Los Angeles does not want to lose focus on that narrative too much, as they are currently 5th in the West and want to improve their playoff positioning. An added challenge for the Lakers will be playing without Austin Reaves, as their 22.6 PPG scorer has been fighting a calf injury.
LeBron is scheduled to play, and even at 41 years old he is averaging 22.4 PPG, 6.7 APG and 6.0 RPG. The King is no longer the best player on the planet, but one of his teammates has a strong case, as Luka Doncic continues to put up numbers as an unstoppable offensive force. He leads the league in scoring with 33.8 PPG, while still contributing 8.8 APG and 7.8 RPG, and is coming off a monster performance in Chicago where he finished with 46 points and 12 assists. Without Reaves available, their next best scoring option is DeAndre Ayton, the former top pick is not a superstar, but still brings 13.4 PPG and 8.6 RPG to the table.
Marcus Smart (10.1 PPG) and Jake LaRavia (9.5 PPG) started the last game against Chicago, with Rui Hachimura being their best scoring option off the bench as he is getting 12.5 PPG. Los Angeles is currently ranked 12th in offensive efficiency and 21st in defensive efficiency according to dunksandthrees.com. The Lakers play slow, ranking 24th in the league in possessions per game.
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Cavaliers Win Four Straight
The Cleveland Cavaliers would rather not focus on the return of LeBron, but more so on them extending their four game win-streak as they try to climb the Eastern Conference standings. Cleveland is 5th in the East, but the division is tight in the middle, as they are only two games behind the Celtics all the way up in 2nd place. They are winning games without Darius Garand and Max Strus, as both are out with injuries. In their last game, Cleveland was led by Donovan Mitchell with 45 points in the win over Orlando.
Is it possible that we are overlooking Donovan Mitchell as one of the greatest players in this generation? His scoring numbers are undeniable, he has averaged over 20 PPG every season of his career dating back to 2017 with the Jazz, and will easily eclipse that mark this year as he is at 29.5 PPG. Ultimately, postseason success defines greatness, but this Cleveland roster should be strong enough to make another run. Evan Mobley is a key component inside, the big man is strong on both sides of the ball and is contributing 17.9 PPG and 8.8 RPG. Jarrett Allen is a constant presence in the post getting 13.3 PPG and 7.8 RPG.
Jaylon Tyson has emerged into a quality player for Cleveland, the 23-year old guard is scoring 13.7 PPG while DeAndre Hunter adds another 13.8 PPG, but is listed as questionable with a knee issue. Cleveland is 5th in offensive efficiency and 6th in defensive efficiency. The Cavs play much faster than the Lakers, ranking 7th in the league in possessions per game.
Injury Report for Lakers vs. Cavaliers:
Lakers:
- Out: Austin Reaves, Adou Thiero
Cavaliers:
- Out: Darius Garland, Max Strus
- Questionable: Sam Merrill, DeAndre Hunter
Lakers vs. Cavaliers Picks and Predictions
Spread pick for Lakers vs. Cavaliers
- Cleveland to cover (5 units)
LeBron James returns to Cleveland, and Luka Doncic will play for the Lakers as ESPN game, this will have money flying in on the Lakers side, but do not be fooled. Cleveland is going to get an extra few points here due to the Lakers' bets, but this Laker team is going to underperform here. LeBron only shows his greatness in spurts anymore, and the loss of Austin Reaves is massive for Los Angeles. Reaves initiates offense, and scores 26.6 PPG, without him in the lineup, there is too much pressure on Doncic to score 40 plus every night. Cleveland is 5th in offensive efficiency, going up against the Lakers' 21st ranked defense. Mitchell, Mobley and Allen are still a handful for anyone, and Cleveland continues to find more role players to step up. Fade the public and take the home team.
Take Cleveland to cover.
Over/Under Pick for Lakers vs. Cavaliers
- Under (4 units)
The Lakers play slow, and will play even slower here without Reaves. When watching Lakers games, you see Reaves is the player who likes to push the offense the most in transition. When Luka or LeBron get the ball, the game slows down, as they are both more likely to slowly utilize screens and take their time offensively. Los Angeles will look to play slow here, as the young Cavs like to get up and down the floor often. Cleveland ranks 6th in defensive efficiency, and have both of their big men healthy in Mobley and Allen, they will be able to limit scoring inside. Los Angeles has gone under in four of their last five, and will go under again here.
Take the under.
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