Lakers vs. Heat

Despite a late scoring burst that made the final score appear respectable, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers struggled offensively in a 98-87 loss to the Heat on Thursday night in Miami. Bryant made only eight of 21 shots to finish with 24 points.  (Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images)

Lakers power forward Pau Gasol looks for an open teammate against the triple-team defense of Miami’s Chris Bosh, Shane Battier and Joel Anthony in the second half Thursday night at American Airlines Arena.  (Lynne Sladky / Associated Press)

Heat forward Shane Battier tries to cut off a passing lane against Lakers center Andrew Bynum in the second half Thursday night at American Airlines Arena.   (Lynne Sladky / Associated Press)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has his reverse layup challenged by Heat center Joel Anthony in the second half Thursday night in Miami.  (Carl Juste / McClatchy-Tribune)

Miami forward LeBron James pulls up for a shot over Lakers forward Metta World Peace on Thursday night at American Airlines Arena.   (Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant steals the ball from Heat forward Shane Battier in the second half Thursday night at Miami.  (Lynne Sladky / Associated Press)

Lakers forward Matt Barnes tries to draw a charge against Heat forward LeBron James during their game Thursday night in Miami.  (Rhona Wise / EPA)

Lakers power forward Pau Gasol goes up for a hook shot in the lane against Miami’s Shane Battier (left), Mario Chalmers and Chris Bosh on Thursday night at American Airlines Arena.   (Rhona Wise / EPA)

Heat forward Shane Battier tries to block a shot by Lakers guard Kobe Bryant during their game Thursday night in Miami.   (Rhona Wise / EPA)

Lakers forward Matt Barnes is a step slow in trying to stop a drive by Heat forward LeBron James in the first half Thursday night at American Airlines Arena in Miami.   (Lynne Sladky / Associated Press)

Lakers power forward Pau Gasol blocks a shot by Heat power forward Chris Bosh in the first half Thursday night in Miami.   (Rona Wise / EPA)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant goes for the steal as Heat forward LeBron James works in the post during the first half Thursday night in Miami.  (Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images)

Miami forward LeBron James gets to the basket before Lakers forward Matt Barnes and power forward Pau Gasol can prevent the shot in the first half Thursday night at American Airlines Arena.  (Rhona Wise / EPA)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant makes a pass against the tight defense of Heat forward Shane Battier in the first half Thursday night at American Airlines Arena.   (Lynne Sladky / Associated Press)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant tries to drive past Heat forward Shane Battier in the first half Thursday night in Miami.   (Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images)

Lakers center Andrew Bynum falls to the court as Heat forward Chris Bosh comes up with the turnover in the first half Thursday night in Miami.  (Rhona Wise / EPA)

Miami forward LeBron James pulls down a rebound over Lakers forward Metta World Peace during the first half Thursday night at American Airlines Arena.   (Rhona Wise / EPA)

Lakers power forward Pau Gasol tries to block a shot by Heat center Eddy Curry in the first half Thursday night in Miami.   (Lynne Sladky / Associated Press)