Lakers Upend Heat

After losing three straight times to the Miami Heat over the last two seasons, the Los Angeles Lakers prevailed 93-83 at the Staples Center. The big hype entering the game was that Dwyane Wade broke Kobe Bryant's nose at the NBA All-Star Game in Orlando last Sunday. Chris Bosh did not attend the game due to a death in the family. Udonis Haslem made his first start this season for the Heat. The last time he was in the starting five was in 2009. The Lakers began the game on a 16-9 run in the first six minutes. Miami was down 28-20 after one quarter. Los Angeles extended their lead to 16 points, 50-34 with two minutes left in the first half. The Lakers led 50-38 at halftime. In the first eight minutes of the second half, the Heat went on a 20-10 spurt and pulled to within two points of the Lakers 60-58. Los Angeles finished off the third quarter with an 11-4 run and ahead 71-62. The closest Miami came to the lead in the fourth quarter was 87-81 on a Mario Chalmers three-point shot with 1:27 left in regulation. LeBron James finished with 25 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists. Dwyane Wade contributed 16 points and five assists. Kobe Bryant led all scorers with 33 points. The Heat finished their three-game trip on the road and return home on Tuesday night against the New Jersey Nets.