Lakers center Anthony Davis (3) scored 22 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks against the Miami Heat (Billy Montgomery/L.A. Sentinel)

On Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers snapped their three-game losing streak with a hard-fought 117-108 victory over the Miami Heat.

The first half saw the Lakers struggling to find their energy, trailing 54-66 at halftime. Miami Heat forward Tyler Herro and center Bam Adebayo exploited defensive lapses, creating issues with their pick-and-rolls and off-ball movement.
“We didn’t play a good first half,” Austin Reaves said. “They were picking us apart.”

Lakers forward LeBron James (23) scored 22 points and nine assists against the Miami Heat (Billy Montgomery/L.A. Sentinel)

However, Lakers center Anthony Davis ignited the team with a powerful one-handed dunk to close out the second quarter.

Head Coach JJ Redick credited the Lakers’ second-half turnaround to improved communication and intensity, rather than tactical adjustments.

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“There was nothing we changed schematically. I implored our team to talk more and play harder. I thought we did that. There were stretches, don’t get me wrong, in the first half where we played hard and they made shots and all that. We talk about this all of the time,” Redick said, highlighting the importance of consistent effort and teamwork.

Lakers guard Gabe Vincent scored 14 points and four assists off the bench against the Heat (Credit: Nathan J. Lee)

The third quarter proved to be the turning point. Guard Austin Reaves ignited the Lakers’ comeback with a pivotal three-pointer, followed by back-to-back threes from forward LeBron James. The arena erupted as the Lakers closed the gap to just one point, 70-71, with 6:39 remaining in the quarter. Rookie Dalton Knecht added two clutch free throws to end the third quarter at 83-85, keeping the game within reach.

Momentum fully shifted in the fourth quarter. Guard Gabe Vincent opened with a three-pointer, followed by a two-handed dunk from center Jaxson Hayes, putting the Lakers ahead 90-87 with 10:27 remaining. The game remained a nail-biter, tied at 94-94 with 8:11 left.

The Lakers only made six turnovers during the matchup while Miami made 19 (Billy Montgomery/L.A. Sentinel)

The NBA all-time leading scorer James, showcased his trademark dominance, adding 22 points to the Lakers’ tally. By the two-minute mark, his effortless shots and confident grin signaled the inevitable outcome. Forward Rui Hachimura led with 23 points, followed by Davis with 22.

The Lakers demonstrated their strength in key areas, including free throws, where they rank third in the NBA with 18.7 made per game.

Lakers guard Max Christie (12) scored 16 points and two steals against Miami (Billy Montgomery/L.A. Sentinel)

“I don’t think there’s anything I’ve done more in my life than shoot basketballs,” Davis said postgame. “The confidence never wavered. I’ve made big shots in big games.”
And that is what he did Wednesday night.

The final buzzer marked a hard-fought victory, breaking their losing streak and propelling them forward with renewed confidence. Fans left the arena buzzing, hopeful for what lies ahead this season.

“Winning is everything. It’s kind of like a drug,” a visibly confident Davis reflected postgame.