NBA Player Props and Best Bets: Luka Ready to Dominate for the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets will play out a standalone NBA matchup on Wednesday, and we’ve got the best player props for the showdown.

The game is the league’s first since the All-Star break and will take place right in LA. Luka Doncic is raring to go after a sluggish start to life with his new team, while LeBron James is questionable with a foot injury.

Here are our best NBA player prop picks for Wednesday in the Hornets vs. Lakers meeting.

Best NBA Prop Bets for Wednesday, February 19

Luka Doncic Over 7.5 Assists

Doncic is going to have to spend more time with the ball in his hands because, well, what was the point in trading for him if he doesn’t? The Lakers’ offense was on fire heading into the All-Star break, and a team that is shooting confidently creates more assists for its playmakers.

Luka only had four assists in both of his games with the Lakers, though he also played 23 and 24 minutes in those games meaning he was on pace for six assists in 36 minutes. He should have more comfort both with his teammates and his calf and will have an even broader runway if LeBron sits out as has been reported as a possibility.

Rui Hachimura Over 4.5 Rebounds

The Lakers NEED to gang rebound, particularly with wings such as Hachimura and Dorian Finney-Smith, to overcome their glaring lack of size. Hachimura only had three rebounds in his last game but went over in eight of his last 13 games. He did not play in the Lakers’ previous matchup with the Hornets.

Charlotte is 21st in rebounds allowed per game and is more likely than not to shoot a low percentage from the field since it will either miss its best players or have just gotten them back from injuries and a failed trade fiasco. Hachimura would also be in line for a heavy workload if LeBron is rested.

LaMelo Ball Under 3.5 Threes

Ball last played 10 minutes against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday, February 10, and only went 1-3 from three in that game. He also shot a terrible 30.9 percent from the floor in January and went under this line, despite his outrageously high volume, in five of his last eight outings.

The Lakers held their opponents to a lowly 31.9 percent shooting from beyond the arc in their last 10 games and would theoretically be even better if they embrace a small-ball lineup with versatile wings. Referring back to the possibility of LeBron sitting, those minutes would likely go to more defensive-minded players such as Gabe Vincent and Finney-Smith. 

Josh Green Over 2.5 Rebounds

The Lakers have long had problems limiting their opponents on the offensive glass, particularly wings and guards who crash from the perimeter as opposed to traditional big men. Green split the over/under at three apiece in his last six games but has a solid chance to go over because of the matchup.

The Lakers only want to play Jaxson Hayes of their possible centers, and he isn’t a great rebounder himself. LA’s need to gang rebound sets Green up for the possibility of flying in and grabbing some boards against smaller opponents, which he is known to do (even though he only had one rebound in his last game against LA).

Austin Reaves Under 2.5 Threes

It’s going to become trendy to bet the over on Reaves because of the easy long-range looks that are going to be created by Luka and LeBron sharing the floor together. Reaves had a hot streak from deep recently but was a dreadful 1-10 from three-point land his last time on the court, tanking his February three-point percentage to 31.9.

The Hornets, for all of their flaws, are a strong perimeter defense, ranking eighth in three-pointers allowed per game at just 34 percent. They also climbed to fifth in made threes allowed per game over their last 10 outings and kept Reaves to 2-8 (25 percent) perimeter shooting the last time they met.

More NBA Bets and Picks Today

Hornets vs. Lakers Same Game Parlay

Hornets vs. Lakers Prediction and Odds