NBA: Miami 98, Los Angeles Lakers 87

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MIAMI, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- LeBron James shook off a case of the flu Thursday to play 37 minutes and score 31 points in leading the Miami Heat past the Los Angeles Lakers 98-87.

The Heat built a 15-point halftime lead and owned as much as a 20-point advantage early in the fourth period.

The anticipated matchup appeared as if it might be missing one of its star attractions, but James produced a solid performance that included eight rebounds and eight assists. He made 17-of-27 shots from the field.

James got the best of the Lakers' Kobe Bryant, who hit 8-of-21 from the field and scored 24 points.

After reaching at least 30 points in eight straight games, Bryant has gone 15-of-43 in his last two outings. He scored 14 this week in a win over Dallas.

Chris Bosh added 15 for the Heat and Shane Battier had 11. Pau Gasol led the Lakers with 26.