LeBron James shook off flu-like symptoms to put up 31 points, eight rebounds and eight assists – hours after being told to stay away from the team’s shootaround practice after calling in with a cough and chest congestion – and the Miami Heat topped the Lakers 98-87 on Thursday night.
Chris Bosh scored 15 for Miami, which won its second straight after a three-game slide.
Shane Battier scored 11 and led the way defensively on Kobe Bryant. Mario Chalmers finished with 10 for Miami, which led by as many as 23 points and improved to 5-1 at home. Miami moved to 5-0 this season without Dwyane Wade, who missed his second straight game with a sprained right ankle. He missed three games earlier this season with left foot soreness.
Pau Gasol scored a season-high 26 for the Lakers, Bryant scored 24 — 14 of them coming in the fourth quarter — and Andrew Bynum finished with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
Information from Espn.com contributed to this report.