Jason LoganMon, December 1, 2025 at 11:18 PM UTC·3 min readDeandre Ayton has settled nicely into his new role with the Los Angeles Lakers, and tonight he gets a shot at his former team under the lights at Crypto.com Arena.
As the Lakers host the Phoenix Suns, my Suns vs. Lakers predictions back Ayton to make his presence felt across the stat sheet.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHere are my best NBA picks for Monday, December 1.
Suns vs Lakers prediction
Suns vs Lakers best bet: DeAndre Ayton Double-Double - Yes (+155)
Deandre Ayton, who spent his first five pro seasons with the Phoenix Suns, has thrived for the Los Angeles Lakers over the past two weeks.
Outside of leaving a matchup with the Utah Jazz early due to a knee contusion on November 23, the 7-footer has scored 17 points or more in five of his last six games while crashing the glass for double-figure rebounds in four of those.
Ayton finished with 22 points and 12 rebounds in Sunday’s win over the Pelicans before leaving in the fourth quarter with knee soreness. However, he put the nerves of Lakers Nation to rest after the game.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"He kind of tweaked my little collision I had the other day in Utah. JJ (Redick) said he was going to sub me out regardless, so it was good timing," Ayton told reporters. "It cooled down after the game, so I'm good now. ... It wasn't anything crazy. I just really felt it right there."
With LeBron James expected to return to action after sitting out Sunday, Ayton will find a lot of room inside to score and battle on the boards. The Lakers’ star-studded perimeter of James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves stretches opponents and forces a lot of double teams and weak-side help.
Player projections for Ayton range from 13 to 16 points vs. Phoenix, while his rebounding forecasts sit between nine and 11 boards. He’s averaging 15.4 rebound chances per game on the season.
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Ayton has been huge for L.A. the past two weeks, averaging 17 points and 10.5 rebounds over his last six games.
James is back after a rest spot Sunday. He’ll take over ball-handling duties and find his talented teammates, with projections calling for seven assists.
The Lakers are playing the second of back-to-back games, but have too much firepower for the Suns to stop. It could be close, but L.A. gets another win.
Suns vs Lakers SGP
Deandre Ayton double-double
LeBron James Over 6.5 assists
Lakers moneyline
Our "from downtown" SGP: Booker does his part
Even in a likely loss, Devin Booker does his best in the house that Kobe built and soars Over his scoring prop.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSuns vs Lakers SGP
Deandre Ayton double-double
LeBron James Over 6.5 assists
Lakers moneyline
Devin Booker Over 26.5 points
Suns vs Lakers odds
Spread: Suns +4.5 (-110) | Lakers -4.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Suns +170 | Lakers -205
Over/Under: Over 234.5 (-110) | Under 234.5 (-110)
Suns vs Lakers betting trend to know
The Los Angeles Lakers have hit the Moneyline in 53 of their last 81 games (+16.15 Units / 8% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Suns vs. Lakers.
How to watch Suns vs Lakers
Location
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Date
Monday, December 1, 2025
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
Suns vs Lakers latest injuries
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