I'm going to PPT via LAX. The flight leaves LAX at 11:55PM.

There are two options for a connecting flight from SLC. One that leaves at 5 PM and one that leaves at 8:25 PM.

Obviously the 8:25 PM is the most convenient because it means the least amount of wait time in LAX.

However, I'm wondering if I should take the 5:00 PM in case there's issues with the 8:25 PM one which would mean I would miss my connecting flight to PPT.

Pricing is the same for either. What would you do?