Lakers blazed away by the Heat

In a game missing some of its star power due to injuries and other issues, the Miami Heat defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 109-102.

Forwards Chris Bosh (31 points) and LeBron James (27 points, 13 rebounds, six assists) led the Heat (31-12), who trail the Indiana Pacers by three games in the battle for the best record in the Eastern Conference.

Elsewhere, forward LaMarcus Aldridge scored a career-high 44 points as the Portland Trail Blazers claimed a 110-105 victory over the Denver Nuggets.

Aldridge scored the final 10 points for the Trail Blazers (32-11), who trailed for much of the game before taking the lead for good when he sank two free throws with 43.2 seconds remaining for a 106-105 advantage. He also had 13 rebounds and five assists.