Los Angeles at Charlotte

The Lakers have been easing Kobe back into the flow. His three games show 8 boards in game one, 20 points in game two, and 13 assists in game three. He should be up to 30 minutes or more here, and the Lakers will benefit from his added dimension. Charlotte has played improved basketball over what we have seen in the past two seasons, but two straight losses, and 5-9 in their last 14 hardly defines a team that should offer comfort in the role of a favorite. I have to think that if this game is as close to the line as suggested, I'd rather be behind Kobe taking the last shot than anyone on Charlotte. Play LA on the moneyline.