Lakers vs Wizards Picks and Prediction – 1/31/2025

The Thursday NBA schedule will tip off with a matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Washington Wizards from Capital One Arena. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Lakers (26-19) are three games below .500 on the road and hold a half-game lead over the LA Clippers for fifth place in the Western Conference standings. On Tuesday, Los Angeles was outscored by 16 points during the second quarter of a 118-104 road loss against Philadelphia. 

All-Star F LeBron James led Los Angeles with 31 points (10-16 FG), nine assists, and eight rebounds. Rookie F Dalton Knecht scored 24 points on 8-for-13 shooting in 23 minutes off the bench. Austin Reaves added 13 points and eight assists for the Lakers, who shot 51 percent from the field.  

The Washington Wizards are looking to snap a 15-game losing streak and own the worst overall record in the NBA. The Wizards (6-40) rank last in the league in offensive efficiency and are averaging 107.2 points per contest. Last night, Washington trailed by 19 points at halftime and shot an ice cold 39 percent from the field during a 106-82 home loss versus Toronto. 

Washington F Kyle Kuzma tallied a team-high 19 points on 7-for-14 shooting and grabbed ten rebounds. Justin Champagnie added 12 points (5-7 FG) and six rebounds off the bench for the Wizards, who missed 25 of 30 three-point attempts. 

Los Angeles F Anthony Davis suffered an abdominal strain during Tuesday’s loss and will be re-evaluated in a week. The Lakers rank 20th in the league in defensive efficiency and the Wizards rank last in that category. With Washington playing on consecutive nights, the over is the play. Final Score Prediction, Los Angeles Lakers win 119-113.