Lakers finish Grammy trip with 107-97 loss to Heat

Heat 107, Lakers 97 (final)

The Lakers finished their seven-game Grammy trip with a 107-97 loss to the Miami Heat on Sunday.

Despite the Heat shooting 53.8% from the field, the Lakers kept the game close until the last few minutes. Turnovers ultimately did them in as the Miami defense intensified with the game on the line.

LeBron James led all scorers with 32 points, shooting 12 of 18 from the field for his fifth consecutive game shooting at least 60% from the field while scoring 30 points. Wilt Chamberlain and Moses Malone are the only other NBA players to match that feat.

Dwyane Wade came on strong late, scoring 30 points. He also had three steals in the fourth quarter, when the Lakers turned the ball over seven times.

Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 28 points and nine assists. Earl Clark chipped in 18 points while Steve Nash and Dwight Howard added 15 apiece.

The Lakers hit 50% of their shots from the field, 58.3% from three-point range and 76.9% from the free-throw line -- a strong night offensively.

The Lakers turned the ball over 14 times and were outrebounded by the Heat, 38-29, including 10-5 on the offensive glass.

With Miami playing at an effecient level, the Lakers’ margin for error was too narrow. The defending champions closed out the game with a 29-24 scoring advantage in the final quarter.

Dipping to 24-28, the Lakers finished their road trip with a 4-3 record. The Heat improve to 34-14.

The Lakers return to Staples Center for a four-game homestand starting Tuesday night against the Phoenix Suns.

Heat 78, Lakers 73 (end of third quarter)

Heat forward LeBron James took over the game, scoring 11 consecutive points, including a three-pointer with 2.6 seconds left in the third quarter to help Miami to a five-point lead.

The Lakers were keeping pace thanks to 20 points from Kobe Bryant, but after James split a pair of free throws, the Heat snagged the offensive rebound and James nailed the open three.

James has 26 points through three quarters as the Heat shot 54.2% from the field, 45.5% from three-point range and 90% from the free-throw line.

The Lakers kept their turnovers in check, making only seven through three quarters. They should 46.6% from the field but struggled on the offensive glass - Miami with a 10-4 edge.

Lakers 53, Heat 53 (halftime)

The Lakers weren’t able to hold onto a seven-point lead as Miami tied the score heading into halftime

The Lakers led early in the second quarter after a run led by Dwight Howard. Shane Battier knocked down a pair of three-pointers to help Miami close the gap.

Dwyane Wade and LeBron James lead all scorers with 12 points apiece as Miami shot 59.5% from the field.

The Lakers shot 48.8%, a high percentage, but low in comparison. Kobe Bryant scored nine points while dishing six assists. Earl Clark leads the Lakers with 11 points.

Miami had nine turnovers while the Lakers made only five in the first half -- a major improvement over the last time these two teams met when the Lakers had 20 in the game.

Howard scored eight points on three-of-five shooting while converting both free-throw attempts. The Lakers hit nine of 12 from the line and converted four of seven from behind the arc.

Lakers 26, Heat 25 (end of first quarter)

The Lakers and Heat each went on 7-0 runs in what was a very competitive first quarter of basketball in Miami on Sunday afternoon.

LeBron James led all scorers with 10 points without missing a shot (three attempts from the field and four from the line).

The Heat shot 62.5% from the field and yet the Lakers finished the quarter up by a point.

Steve Nash also hit all three of his shots, scoring eight to lead the Lakers.

Kobe Bryant had five assists to lead the Lakers, who were moving the ball well and had eights assists for their 10 baskets.

The Lakers had only three turnovers in the quarter while shooting 50% from the field.

Pregame

The Lakers (24-27) close their Grammy trip with a chance to go 5-2 by beating the Heat (33-14) on Sunday afternoon.

Miami has been on a hot streak, led by video-game numbers from LeBron James, who seemingly can’t miss a shot.

While they’ll be the underdog on Saturday, a Lakers’ win in Miami would be a big one for a team still trying to get into playoff range.

For a more in-depth breakdown, check out Preview: Lakers at Heat.

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Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.