LeBron James, Lakers Face Record 15.5-Point Spread as Underdogs vs. Thunder in Playoff Opener

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers face a 15.5-point spread as underdogs against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series Tuesday night. The line opened at 16 points Tuesday afternoon and has moved between 15 and 16 points since.

Yahoo Sports' Ben Fawkes reports it marks the largest point spread against a LeBron-led team in any game of his NBA career. Across more than 1,900 regular-season and playoff games over 23 seasons, James has never been this big an underdog.

The spread tops the previous high by 3 points. James's Cleveland Cavaliers were 12.5-point underdogs against the Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals. That Warriors team, featuring Kevin Durant, won 124-114 in overtime and swept the series.

Sportsbooks set the line intentionally. It might even be low, given that casual bettors could back James and the Lakers at such a number. The Thunder will miss Jalen Williams due to a hamstring injury in Game 1.

Bookmakers account for James at age 41 and the Lakers' thinner roster compared to the Thunder. Oklahoma City won 64 regular-season games for the West's No. 1 seed and swept the Phoenix Suns in the first round.

The Lakers also lack Luka Doncic, out since a hamstring strain in early April. James still produces at a high level but cannot carry a short-handed team alone against a superior opponent.

The market views the Thunder as about 15 points better than the Lakers on Oklahoma City's home court.

In that 2018 game as a 12.5-point underdog, James scored 51 points with eight rebounds and eight assists at age 33. The Cavaliers covered despite a 10-point loss. The Lakers are plus-900 to advance to the Western Conference finals.