Charlotte showed their mettle today with a convincing 85-73 win over LA Lakers. "After some of the games we've had, I think we've left some doubt as to whether we can solidly beat anybody," said head coach Bob after the game. "I don't know that one game will erase those doubts, but I can certainly see the difference in the locker room."

The win came largely as the result of a great effort by Vance, the Charlotte star. Said Bob of him, "The game would have gone down to the wire without Vance's efforts today. He really made the difference between another tough battle and a dominating win."

Charlotte was led by Vance (20 points, 11 boards, 0 assists, a block), Meadows (15 points, 6 boards, 1 assists, a block), Cullum (22 points). LA Lakers was led by Richardson (24 points, 14 boards, 0 assists, a block), Bowling (8 points, 2 assists, a steal), Jenkins (8 points, a block).

With the win, Charlotte jump to 28-13 and 16-4 at home. They stay at #2 in the Southeast and hold at #4 overall in the Eastern Conference. LA Lakers are now 29-11. They remain at #2 in the Pacific and stay at #4 overall in the Western Conference.

box score Charlotte roster LA Lakers* roster