Lakers Vs. Heat Final Score: LeBron James Leads Miami To 98-87 Win Over Los Angeles

The Miami Heat won their second straight game on Thursday night, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 98-87 at American Airlines Arena. Unlike Tuesday night against San Antonio, the Heat controlled the game for almost the full 48 minutes, leading by as many as 23 points. The Lakers made a little noise late, but the Heat cruised comfortably by double digits for the entire second half.

Despite battling the flu, LeBron James dominated on both ends of the floor for Miami. James had been sent home from shootaround earlier in the day, but word came down that he would get the start just before tip. Playing without Dwyane Wade again, James picked up the slack and finished with 31 points, eight assists, eight rebounds, four steals, and three blocks. Chris Bosh helped out with 15 points, but this night was all about James, who got the better of his superstar matchup with Kobe Bryant. The Lakers guard was just eight of 21 from the field, and added a flurry of points in garbage time to finish with 24.

Miami will look to make it three in a row on Satuday, as they host the Philadelphia 76ers.

For more news, analysis, and discussion on Miami, visit SB Nation's Heat blog, Peninsula Is Mightier. For the perspective from the other side, visit SB Nation Los Angeles and SB Nation's Lakers blog, Silver Screen And Roll. For news and notes from around the league, be sure to follow SB Nation's NBA hub.

Lakers Vs. Heat Score Update: LeBron James Gets The Best Of Kobe Bryant, Miami Takes A 15-Point Lead At Half

The Miami Heat took a 52-37 lead over the Los Angeles Lakers into the locker room at half of their nationally televised Thursday night game. The Heat clamped down on the defensive end, as the Lakers went cold from the floor and Miami jumped out to a comfortable double digit lead. LeBron James had been sent home earlier in the day, struggling with the flu. But James got the starting nod shortly before tip, and he's come through 13 points and six assists so far. At the end of the first half, it was apparent that he and Kobe Bryant started to engage in the hype of the one-on-one superstar matchup.

Bryant finished the half with just six points, and was one of eight from the floor. The Lakers shooting just 31 percent from the floor, as Mike Brown's team struggled to get anything to fall. Pau Gasol led the Lakers with 13 points on ten shots. Eddy Curry saw his first game action in almost three years, chipping in with two points. Miami is looking to build on the dynamic second half against San Antonio on Tuesday, and polish off their second Western Conference foe this week.

For more news, analysis, and discussion on Miami, visit SB Nation's Heat blog, Peninsula Is Mightier. For the perspective from the other side, visit SB Nation Los Angeles and SB Nation's Lakers blog, Silver Screen And Roll. For news and notes from around the league, be sure to follow SB Nation's NBA hub.

PHOTO: Heat Debut All Black Uniforms Against Los Angeles Lakers

Lakers Vs. Heat: LeBron James Sent Home Sick By Team

LeBron is a game-time decision as the Heat host the Lakers.

Los Angeles Lakers Visit Miami Heat: Game 14 Preview

LeBron James looks to stay hot and Mike Miller tries to stay perfect from behind the arc as Miami welcomes Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers to the AA Arena in Miami.