LeBron James is on the cusp of claiming the No. 1 spot on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. We’re breaking down LeBron James betting props ahead of Lakers vs. Thunder tonight.
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LeBron James Chases All-Time NBA Scoring Title
LeBron James and NBA betting odds are subject to change prior Tuesday night’s to tip-off. Check the latest odds prices on LeBron James betting props at the best NBA betting sites.\
LeBron James Betting Props | Lakers vs. Thunder
LeBron James 35-Plus Points
It’s fair to argue that James breaking the record on Thursday vs. the Bucks on TNT makes better theater. However, we’re taking the angle of James eclipsing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the NBA’s all-time scoring list tonight.
Most importantly, the Lakers are scratching and clawing simply to get into the play-in tournament. They need every win they can earn, and a victory over the Thunder lifts them closer to the conference’s No. 10 line. Eliminating the distraction of James’ pursuit of the record ahead of Thursday’s tough date with the Bucks would serve them well. In theory, at least.
Finally, for those who want to dive into qualitative analysis, it’s worth asking how motivated James will be to send a message – to everyone, his teammates, or no one in particular. James was clearly disappointed by the Lakers’ inability to land Kyrie Irving, but claimed to have “refocused” in an interview with Michael Wilbon.
James may not be as sensitive as Kevin Durant or mercurial as Irving, but he’s certainly among the few who can seemingly do whatever he wants on the floor. And if he wants to put the all-time scoring chase behind him tonight, that’s what he’ll do.
LeBron James Over 32.5 Points
We’ve covered some factors that play into why James may be motivated to capture the sports world’s attention. There are plenty of tactical elements to support betting on the Over.
The Lakers play at the NBA’s 2nd fastest pace while the Thunder feature the league’s sixth quickest. James won’t have to force the issue to turn tonight’s contest into an up-and-down affair. James is averaging 32.8 points on 49.8% shooting from the field on hefty volume.
If you’re of the opinion that James breaks the NBA scoring record tonight, going Over 32.5 is an easy wager to place.
LeBron James Over 7.5 Points In 1st Quarter
Some of the reasoning backing the angle of James passing Abdul-Jabbar tonight is motivation. Some of that motivation, we’re surmising, stems from missing out on Irving, who James believes would’ve aided the Lakers status in the West.
Each individual bettor needs to determine the degree to which he or she believes James will exercise the chip on his shoulder. Let’s say James is, in fact, in some form of “F you” mode. He’s not going to wait to make his presence felt. Eight points in the first quarter is a reasonable expectation.
LeBron James Over 8.5 Rebounds
James is averaging 8.8 boards over his last 10 and 8.5 on the season. Under “normal” circumstances, betting the Over is a comfortable position. These aren’t normal conditions.
However, while it’s certainly fair to suggest a motivated James will do some extra glass cleaning tonight, we don’t need to try venturing into his psyche here. The Thunder lead the league in field goal attempts, but they’re not especially efficient, so there will be plenty of rebounding opportunities for James on Tuesday evening. Again, in theory.
