Lakers vs Hawks Odds Preview: Struggling Contenders Need Shakeup
Both Lakers and Hawks are Underperforming

Hawks Favored Despite Poor Record as Chalk
The Atlanta Hawks host the Los Angeles Lakers in a battle of two contenders not living up to expectations. Not only do the Lakers and Hawks have losing records, but both are also two of the worst six on the point spreads.
The Lakers vs Hawks odds do favor Atlanta (-5) in this matchup as they play at home and Los Angeles is missing star big man Anthony Davis (foot). Still, the Hawks are just 5-9 against the spread (ATS) as a home favorite.
Los Angels Lakers vs Atlanta Hawks
Date & Time:
Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta
James and Young are Embattled Superstars Hoping for Change
The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled all season with or without Davis. But since their star power forward went down, the team has won just two games and is 3-7 (2-8 ATS) without him.
James is still putting up his usual stats: 27.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists. But the Lakers are just 5-7 even when James scores 30 or more points. It’s a team sport after all.
“I don’t want to finish my career playing at this level, from a team aspect,” “I want to still be able to compete for championships because I know what I can still bring to any ballclub with the right pieces.” LeBron James said following his Lakers loss to Miami, their fifth in their last six games.
Trae Young, the Hawks’ superstar guard, can empathize with James. Atlanta was supposed to take it to the next level after acquiring All-Star guard Dejounte Murray. But the Hawks are just one win better than where they were on the 2021-2022 NBA standings.
Young is off on his shooting stats (career-low effective field goal percentage of 46.8) but he’s still averaging 27.3 points and 9.9 assists.
Per Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes, Young “could be the next NBA player on a rookie max extension to request a trade if the team doesn’t make inroads come postseason time.”
But never mind the postseason. The 2021-22 All-NBA guard’s dip in efficiency coupled with the team’s struggles could force the Hawks to make moves much earlier than that. Another upset loss here, per the Lakers vs Hawks odds, may just be the straw that breaks this camel’s back.
Lakers and Hawks Flaming Out on Betting Lines
Backers would also like to see a change in both NBA teams. Otherwise, the two are proper fade materials on the online sports betting lines. The Lakers continue to be overestimated as far as NBA matchups and odds. Since last NBA season, the team is the worst on the point spread with a 41 percent cover rate (48-69-0). It doesn’t change much as an underdog: 42.2 percent (27-37-0).
“I’m a winner, and I want to win,” “And I want to win and give myself a chance to win and still compete for championships. That has always been my passion.” James continued
The Hawks, on the other hand, have a 41.2 percent cover rate this season (14-20-1). The team is just 2-4 ATS in its last six home games. They lost to Oklahoma City Thunder and barely beat the Orlando Magic who have combined for a 9-24 record on the road.
Atlanta’s offense has taken a hit partly due to Young’s drop in efficiency. This team had a 116.5 offensive rating last NBA season and was 4.5 points above the league average. Now, it’s dropped to 112.4 and is -0.9. The team’s effective shooting has also gone from 54.3% last season to just 52.2% now.
That means Atlanta gets a slimmer margin for error against opponents. Against the Lakers, the Hawks are dealing with a team that is ranked 25th in defensive rating (116.3) on the road.
That’s why 12 of the Lakers’ 19 road games go over the total. It could continue this way on the Lakers vs Hawks odds if the lackadaisical defending gets mixed with a resurgence of the Hawks’ offense.