Lakers win a thriller over Heat in final matchup between Wade, LeBron

The final meeting between future Hall of Famers Dwyane Wade and LeBron James did not disappoint.

In a back-and-forth game, the Lakers outlasted the Heat 108-105 on Monday at Staples Center. It marked Miami’s first loss on its season-long six-game trip, as it’s now 2-1 through the first three games of this stretch away from home.

In a contest that included 13 lead changes and 12 ties, it came down to the final few minutes.

The Heat pulled ahead 96-90 with 7:18 to play, but the Lakers responded with a 13-2 run to take a five-point lead with 3:55 remaining. Miami then had its own answer, using a quick 5-0 run tie the game at 103 with 2:53 left on the clock.

But the Lakers scored five of the final seven points to earn the dramatic victory.

As for Wade and James, each had their moments.

Wade finished with 15 points on 6 of 19 shooting after a scoreless first half, to go with five rebounds and 10 assists. He had a chance to tie the game, but missed a three with seven seconds remaining.

James turned in a dominant stat line that included 28 points, nine rebounds and 12 assists, and made two critical free throws with 22 seconds to play to put the Lakers ahead by three.

In the end, the Lakers won to snap the 15-15 all-time head-to-head tie between James and Wade. James walked away from their final matchup with a 16-15 all-time record against Wade.

Justise Winslow finished with a career-high 28 points on 11 of 20 shooting from the field and 6 of 10 shooting from three-point range for the Heat to continue his recent string of impressive performances.

Next up for the Heat on its trip is a Wednesday matchup with the Jazz. Miami defeated Utah 102-100 on Dec. 2 at AmericanAirlines Arena.