PRO BASKETBALL — February 3

CHARLOTTE at L.A. LAKERS
(Lakers -9.5, Total 194) — [private] This matchup is almost ALWAYS trouble for the Lakers. Charlotte has covered eight of the last nine meetings, pulling off straight-up wins in six of the last seven! Now that Larry Brown is closer to having the crew he wants, this team is even better equipped to provide a defensive headache. Gerald Wallace might be missing (hamstring), but there is a supporting cast of role players now that can help close the gap. Lamar Odom may be getting worn out by his new bride; he’s posting the lowest scoring average of his career. Charlotte has had a day off and wants to bounce back from a dreadful 19-point loss at Portland. On history alone, this is well worth considering.

THE PLAY: CHARLOTTE +9.5 ***

(All information is for news matter only; All games are graded on a scale of 1-4 stars. Lines are subject to change)
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