Los Angeles at Charlotte

Not much was expected of the Lakers this season, especially with Kobe sidelined for much of the season. Contrast that to the expectations of the Hornets, who after several starved seasons, broke out a year ago as a bonafide playoff team. The Hornets enter at nine games under .500 for the season, and a 12-3 run made some think they had gotten back on track, but that disappeared in their latest 2-6 mark over their last eight games. The Lakers continue to fight, and have not only covered three of their last four, all as a dog, but have won three of them outright. The Hornets have been on the road for a bit, and that has proven to be a recipe for disaster of late as they are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 at home, following a road trip of seven days or more. Take the points on the Lakers.