The Los Angeles Lakers (28-17) visit the Cleveland Cavaliers (28-20) in an inter-conference matchup as the Lakers aim to extend their road success against a Cavaliers team fighting for Eastern Conference positioning. Los Angeles, sitting second in the Western Conference, has relied on veteran leadership and defensive improvements but faces challenges with injuries. Cleveland, fourth in the East, boasts strong home defense and balanced scoring but has struggled against top Western teams. This game could hinge on three-point shooting and rebounding, with potential for a high-scoring affair if the Lakers’ offense clicks or a defensive grind if the Cavaliers control the tempo.
Venue Location
The game will be played at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. This 19,432-capacity arena, opened in 1994 and renovated in 2019, is the home of the Cavaliers and known for its modern amenities and passionate fans during key matchups.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM EST (4:00 PM PST / 12:00 AM GMT on January 29).
Recent Team Forms
The Lakers have been solid lately, posting a 6-4 record in their last 10 games with a +4.2 point differential. They’ve won three of their last five on the road, including a 105-98 victory over Golden State, highlighting improved defense (holding opponents to 102 PPG). Los Angeles averages 112 PPG in this stretch while allowing 107.8, with strong three-point shooting (38%) but turnover issues (14 per game).
The Cavaliers are surging, going 7-3 in their last 10 with a +6.5 point differential. They’ve won four straight at home, including a 115-110 win over Milwaukee, showcasing balanced scoring (114 PPG) and elite defense (holding opponents to 107.5 PPG). Cleveland’s three-point defense ranks top-5 (34% allowed), but rebounding has been average (43 per game).
| Team | Last 10 Record | Points For (Avg) | Points Against (Avg) | Streak |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 6-4 | 112.0 | 107.8 | W1 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 7-3 | 114.0 | 107.5 | W4 |
Injury Report
Injuries are impacting both teams, particularly the Lakers’ frontcourt.
Los Angeles Lakers:
SF LeBron James (Rest/Foot): Questionable (rest) / Probable (foot); likely to play but managed minutes.
PG Luka Doncic (Groin): Questionable; limited in practice, status uncertain.
PF Rui Hachimura (Calf): Out; sidelined 2-4 weeks.
Overall: Three key players affected, thinning rotation and rebounding.
Cleveland Cavaliers:
No major injuries reported; full roster available based on recent updates.
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Key Player
Matchups
This inter-conference tilt features exciting individual battles.
LeBron James (Lakers F) vs. Evan Mobley (Cavaliers F): James’ playmaking (25 PPG, 8 APG) vs. Mobley’s defense and length (16 PPG, 10 RPG).
Anthony Davis (Lakers F/C) vs. Jarrett Allen (Cavaliers C): Davis’ scoring (28 PPG, 12 RPG) challenged by Allen’s rim protection (14 PPG, 11 RPG).
Austin Reaves (Lakers G) vs. Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers G): Reaves’ versatility (18 PPG) vs. Mitchell’s scoring (27 PPG).
Goaltending: Not applicable, but bench depth: Lakers’ Max Christie vs. Cavaliers’ Caris LeVert.
Key X-Factor: Darius Garland (Cavaliers G) could exploit Lakers’ guard defense with his speed (20 PPG, 7 APG).
Series History
The Lakers hold a 123-92 all-time edge over the Cavaliers, but Cleveland has won 4 of the last 5 meetings, including a 114-110 victory in 2025. Average total points: 215.6, with overs hitting in 3 of 5. In Cleveland, the Cavaliers are 3-2 in the last 5 vs. Lakers.
| Last 5 Head-to-Head Games | Date | Result | Total Points |
| Lakers @ Cavaliers | 11/15/2025 | Cavaliers 114-110 | 224 |
| Cavaliers @ Lakers | 10/20/2025 | Cavaliers 105-102 | 207 |
| Lakers @ Cavaliers | 03/10/2024 | Lakers 120-118 | 238 |
| Cavaliers @ Lakers | 12/05/2024 | Cavaliers 112-108 | 220 |
| Lakers @ Cavaliers | 02/28/2024 | Cavaliers 115-110 | 225 |
Betting Trends
Spread: LA is 14-11 ATS on the road; Cleveland 16-9 ATS at home.
Over/Under: The over has hit in 7 of Cleveland’s last 10 home games and 5 of LA’s last 10 overall.
Trends: Cavaliers 4-1 in last 5 home games; Lakers 3-2 in last 5 road.
Game Odds
Los Angeles Lakers 234.5
Cleveland Cavaliers – 2.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 27, 2026
