Los Angeles Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks NBA Summer League Prediction: Cameron Carr, Lakers Favored to Close Out Saturday’s Slate on July 11

The final game of Saturday’s marathon NBA Summer League slate in Las Vegas sends the Los Angeles Lakers against the Dallas Mavericks at the Thomas & Mack Center, capping off a long day of exhibition basketball. Los Angeles enters riding high after a 96-84 win over Oklahoma City on Friday night, while Dallas is looking for its first win of Las Vegas Summer League after dropping its opener.

Neither of last year’s marquee names, Cooper Flagg or Bronny James, is walking through that door this time around; both have graduated into full-time NBA roles and won’t be suiting up for Summer League this July. That leaves the spotlight on this year’s newest additions: Lakers first-round pick Cameron Carr and Mavericks first-round pick Morez Johnson Jr., along with a host of second-year players and two-way hopefuls trying to lock down roster spots for training camp.

Lakers Lay Points as Slight Road Favorites

Los Angeles is favored in this one, sitting at -2.5 with the total at 179.5. The Lakers carry a -134 price on the moneyline as the favorite, while Dallas sits at roughly +112 as the home underdog. That number reflects Los Angeles’ strong opening win over Oklahoma City more than anything else, giving the Lakers momentum heading into the second half of their back-to-back in Las Vegas.

Los Angeles’ roster is led by Cameron Carr, the No. 24 overall pick this year, along with second-year forward Adou Thiero, who is playing his first Summer League after being sidelined last year with a knee injury. Thiero’s athleticism and finishing ability at the rim give the Lakers a dynamic wing to pair with Carr’s scoring punch, and the two looked good together in Friday’s win over Oklahoma City.

Dallas Leans on Fresh Faces After Rough Opener

Dallas counters with a roster built around this year’s four draft picks: Morez Johnson Jr. at No. 9 overall, Sergio De Larrea at No. 25, Tobi Lawal at No. 48, and Vsevolod Ishchenko at No. 56. Returning guard Ryan Nembhard, who has now logged real Summer League and G League reps over the past year, gives the Mavericks a steadying presence at the point, while John Poulakidas and Tyler Smith round out the group of familiar faces from last summer’s roster.

Johnson Jr., an athletic forward who profiles as a strong rebounder and finisher above the rim, will be the player to watch most closely for Dallas as it looks to build off a lottery-caliber pick. De Larrea’s playmaking chops give the Mavericks another table-setter alongside Nembhard, though the two may not share the floor extensively given both project as lead guards long-term.

Lakers’ Momentum vs. Mavericks Motivation

Los Angeles’ win over Oklahoma City was built on balanced scoring and strong perimeter defense, a formula the Lakers will look to replicate here. Dallas, sitting at 0-1 after its opening loss, has real motivation to right the ship in front of what should be a lively Las Vegas crowd for the nightcap. Watch Johnson Jr.’s energy level early, since Dallas will need him engaged on the glass from the opening tip to have a chance at controlling this game’s pace.

Prediction and Best Bet

Los Angeles enters with real momentum after a strong showing against Oklahoma City, and Carr and Thiero give the Lakers a nice one-two scoring punch heading into the second night of their back-to-back. Dallas’ new draft class is talented, but asking a group with no prior chemistry to knock off a Lakers team fresh off a win is a tall order.

Wed, Oct 21 • 8:40 PM	Spread	Money	Total
Dallas Mavericks	+8.5 (-118)	+270	O 227.5 (-105)
Houston Rockets	-8.5 (-105)	-300	U 227.5 (-115)

• Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers 88, Dallas Mavericks 81
• Best Bet: Los Angeles Lakers -2.5

Carr and Thiero should be able to carry the Lakers to a cover here in the finale of Saturday’s slate. Bettors looking to close out the night can check the FanDuel promo code for new user offers. Casino fans should also look at the HelloMillions promo code for sweepstakes bonuses, and prediction market bettors can explore the Robinhood Prediction Markets promo code to close out the Summer League slate.