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James, who led Miami to NBA titles in 2012 &
'13, had produced triple-doubles in his previous three games,
becoming the first Lakers player to achieve that feat since
Magic Johnson in 1987. But James fell short of a triple on
Friday, dishing six assists and snatching four rebounds.
The Lakers have won seven straight games, the longest active win
streak in the Western Conference. The Lakers are 4-0 at home
this season and haven't lost anywhere since their season opener.
Miami played on short rest, having won 124-108 on Thursday night
in Phoenix. The Lakers had been off since Tuesday.
Guard Avery Bradley, who missed the Lakers' previous game due to
a contusion on his right leg, returned to the starting lineup
and scored nine points in 25 minutes.
The Heat were without starting forward Justise Winslow and
backup wing Derrick Jones (hip injury). Winslow has missed four
of the Heat's last five games, first with lower-back stiffness
and now as he is in the concussion protocol.
Los Angeles, which led by as many as 11 points in the first
quarter, settled for a 28-21 advantage at the end of 12 minutes.
Davis was brilliant in that quarter, going 5-for-5 from the
floor and 2-for-2 from the foul line, totaling 12 points. Miami,
meanwhile, missed all four of its 3-pointers and was
outrebounded 16-7.
Miami won the second quarter and cut its deficit to 48-46 by
halftime. A key for the Heat getting to the foul line more than
the Lakers in the first half, making 13 of 15 to the Lakers'
2-for-2 showing.
The Lakers, though, stretched their lead to 14 points before
ending the third quarter with a 78-66 advantage.
James was then the difference in the fourth quarter as the
Lakers cruised.
--Field Level Media
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