The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the host Miami Heat, 113-97, at American Airlines Arena on Sunday evening.

The Lakers got out to a great start on the road, as they jumped out to a 34-21 lead after one quarter. They kept their cushion for most of the second quarter, until the Heat cut the deficit to seven with 3:30 to go. However, the Lakers closed the half on an 11-3 run, to take a 15-point lead into halftime. Both teams came out strong in the third, but the Heat could not cut into the lead, as the Lakers held a double-digit advantage for almost the entire quarter. The fourth featured no surprises, as the Lakers were able to hold their ground and cruise to a much-needed win.

LeBron James went off against his former squad, as he finished with 51 points on 19-of-31 shooting, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block, in 38 minutes. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope followed up with 19 points, four rebounds, one steal and one block, in 28 minutes off the bench, while Kyle Kuzma chipped in 15 points on 7-of-12 shooting. The Lakers shot 45 percent from the field, including 11-of-27 from long range.

Meanwhile, the Heat were without Goran Dragic (toe). Wayne Ellington led Miami with 19 points on 7-of-14 shooting, in 37 minutes. Josh Richardson and Tyler Johnson added 17 points each, while Rodney McGruder tallied 14 points, seven rebounds and four assists. The Heat shot 40 percent from the field, including 13-of-32 from deep.

The Heat (6-10) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nets on Tuesday. The Lakers (9-7) head to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers on Wednesday.