1* Free Play Lakers.

While we are primarily a situationally based handicapping service, we don't subscribe to any one single methodology, but instead feel that being flexible with ones approach is the best way to secure profits over the longterm. Sometimes we keep it simple, while other times we'll take into account a bunch of different factors, like motivation, scheduling and significant injuries. Recognizing classic "spot bets" is something we always do as well, IE: the "look ahead" spot, the "let down" spot and the "trap" game. The actual contestants on the field of play rarely enter into our equation when making selections, unless it's a Top 3 player like a LeBron James or Aaron Rodgers etc. One set of criteria which we almost always use when making our decisions, are Against The Spread (ATS) statistics. Sometimes these stats can be overrated and other times they help foreshadow the outcome of a contest.

This particular play is based on a few different factors:

Classic "look-ahead/letdown" spot: This is the end of a four-game Western swing for the Hornets, who then return home to face Cleveland, Miami, Washington and Chicago. Suffice it to say, it's obviously not too hard to imagine the visitors getting caught looking ahead to those much more important contests.

Revenge factor: LA has lost three of the last four in the series, including a 108-98 setback in Charlotte on December 28th.

ATS statistics: Note that the Hornets are just 1-5 ATS their last six vs. the Lakers and 4-10 ATS in their last 14 on the road, while LA is 6-3 SU in its last nine vs. Charlotte overall.

The bottom line: The situation and trends favor the LAKERS in this one.

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