Lakers-Warriors preview: How to watch live stream online, prediction, analysis

NBA: Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors

It’s always an epic matchup when LeBron James and the Warriors square off on the court, and on Tuesday — Christmas Day — the two will do so for the first time since he joined the Lakers.

The NBA was wise to schedule the first showdown between the two on Christmas — although we’re surprised it wasn’t at Staples Center — as many believe this to be the single best hoops day of the calendar year. As such, expect to see a Herculean effort from James, who probably knows he’ll have to put the young team on his back to have a chance at winning.

As for the Warriors, they’re heating up again after experiencing a lull when Stephen Curry and Draymond Green were both injured. They’ve won four of the past five, and eight of the last 10.

And the Lakers, well, they may lack a solid “No. 2” alongside James, something he’s always had over the years, but they’re still off to a decent 19-14 record, sitting in fourth place in the Western Conference.

The Warriors have had the Lakers’ number over the past few years, as they’ve won the last seven matchups, but this particular showdown could be different, with James now on the roster.

Lakers-Warriors Highlights and Fixture Information

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 25

Time: 8:00 p.m. EST/1:00 a.m. BST (Tuesday, Dec. 25)

TV Info: ABC

Where to bet legally on Lakers-Warriors in USA: The Warriors have had some epic matchups against LeBron James’ teams over the years, and they usually tend to lay anywhere between six and nine points when at home. Tuesday’s game comes on the high end, at -9, because the Lakers lack other stars aside from James, and because the Warriors have owned them over the past two years. This figures to be the most-bet game of the day, so make sure to visit this handicapping advice website before you wager on it.

Prediction: Warriors 117, Lakers 109

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