Heat 96, Lakers 80

The Lakers tuned up for what looms as a serious beatdown Tuesday against the Western Conference-leading San Antonio Spurs with a Christmas Clunker today. They were no match today for the Miami Heat, who actually played as if something was on the line at Staples Center. LeBron James had a triple-double for Miami with 27 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Kobe Bryant scored 17 points on 6-for-16 shooting and Pau Gasol had 17 points on 8-for-17 shooting. It was a pretty meager showing for the two-time defending champion Lakers, who looked as if they wanted to be elsewhere.