LeBron James had a game-high 31 points despite experiencing flu-like symptoms earlier in the day, as the Miami Heat defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 98-87 on Thursday night.

Miami defeated the Los Angeles for the fourth straight time. The Lakers have now lost seven of their last eight games in Miami.

The Heat came out strong, building a 15-point lead at the half and never looking back as James improved to 10-2 in his last 12 meetings with the Lakers.

Pau Gasol led Los Angeles with 26 points. Kobe Bryant struggled in the first half but caught fire after the break, scoring 18 of his 24 points after halftime.

Dwyane Wade missed his second straight game with an ankle injury. The Heat are now 5-0 without Wade in the lineup this season.

James was chasing down a loose ball in the second quarter when he nearly ran over a petrified fan in the front row. Fortunately, he was able to hold the fan upright rather than knock him over.