[Los Angeles, CA] Coming off of a very close and very tough loss against the Utah Jazz on Friday night, the Miami Heat wanted to avenge that bitter defeat against their Sunday afternoon opponents, the Los Angeles Lakers.

The big story going into the game was the supposed rivalry many people thought that Dwyane Wade and Kobe Bryant had agoing, due to the unfortunate accident that saw Wade breaking Bryant’s nose during the NBA All-Star Game.

But for true basketball fans, the real story was the Heat’s problems on the boards. On Friday night, Miami was out-rebounded by the Jazz and those struggles continued against the Lakers.

The home team Lakers dominated the Heat in the first half, but especially in the first quarter. As the Heat struggled to get rebounds – possibly due to the absence of Chris Bosh, who was sitting out his third game in a row – Bryant was lighting up the scoreboard, pouring in 16 points in quarter number one.

Bryant nearly outscored the entire Heat squad. At the end of the first, the Lakers were up, 28-20.

In the second quarter, it got worse for Miami. Metta World Peace and Andrew Goudelock scorched the Heat in the second quarter, combining to score 14 points (somewhat of a surprise as World Peace – formerly Ron Artest – is playing the worst basketball of his career).

Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

LeBron James of the Miami Heat takes on Metta World Peace

It seemed as if every time the Heat tried to cut the lead, the Lakers would make a run. At halftime, the score was Lakers 50, Heat 38.

The Heat made somewhat of a comeback in the third. Most of the scoring came from LeBron James and Shane Battier. Both combined to score 16 points, 11 of those coming from King James. The Heat pulled within two with 2 minutes left, but after a couple of three’s from the Lakers, L.A. went back up by 9.

At the end of the 3rd quarter, the Lakers were up 72-61.

The Heat tried but couldn’t close the gap in the fourth quarter. Bryant kept hitting shot after shot, putting the Heat away. It didn’t help that D-Wade fouled out in the quarter – that actually snapped a streak of 88 games where the Heat didn’t have a player foul out of a game, an NBA record.

The final score was Lakers 93, Heat 83.

LeBron James scored 25 points and had 13 rebounds. Dwyane Wade scored 16 points and had 5 assists. The Heat were out-rebounded once again, 44 to 35.

“We weren’t efficient as we normally are,” Miami Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra said after his team posted its second-lowest scoring total of the season (20 below its average). “We know we’re much better than the last two games and we’ll move on.”

By: Michael Tristani II/Sunshine Slate

Lead image: Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

Miami Heat

[Portland, OR] Coming off of the All-Star break, the Miami Heat wanted to get back to their winning ways against their first opponent of the second half of the season, the Portland Trail Blazers.

It wasn’t a “clean break” for the boys as LeBron James and Dwyane Wade still made headlines during the All-Star celebration, which took place three-and-a-half hours to the North in Orlando. LeBron was once again criticized for his play in the fourth quarter, this time because he didn’t take the final shot.

Wade, on the other hand, made a couple of headlines for breaking Kobe Bryant’s nose during the NBA All-Star Game. Oops.

Now for the business at hand … In the first quarter, the Blazers are the ones who started off playing great basketball, going on a 14-6 run off of scoring from LaMarcus Aldridge. But, Wade, James and the Heat would not go quietly – they came roaring back, with the star duo combining to score 24 points in the quarter.

At the end of the first quarter, the Miami Heat were up 32-24.

Wade took over in the second quarter, scoring 12 points and dishing out 2 assists. The Heat also buckled down on defense, keeping Portland from getting buckets while continuing to score at the other end. The Miami Heat outscored the Blazers 28-18 in quarter number two.

At halftime, the Heat were up 60-42.

Photo: Cameron Browne/NBAE/Getty Images (Copyright 2012 NBAE)

Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat drives to the basket

It got even better for the Heat and much, much worse for the Blazers in the third. James caught fire, scoring 12 points and dishing out 2 assists. The Trail Blazers kept trying to make a comeback, but they just could not keep up with the Heat offense or defense. At the end of the third quarter, the Heat were up 87-69.

The fourth quarter continued with the same storyline: Portland tried to mount a charge, but the play of the Heat on both ends of the court kept them from getting anything going. James, D-Wade and the Miami Heat bench were just too much for the Trail Blazers.

The final score was Heat 107, Blazers 93.

“We were missing 8½ to 9 rebounds a game, so I just tried to make a conscious effort to get on the boards early and just sustain it throughout the game,” said Udonis Haslem, who pulled down six rebounds off the offensive glass.

Shane Battier started in place of Chris Bosh, who did not play on Thursday night due to family reasons. Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra was a little concerned before tip-off.

“When we’ve played without [Bosh] in the past, we really struggled,” Spoelstra said. “I think this game showed we made some strides in that area and our versatility helps.”

Next up for the Miami Heat: Tonight (March 2) against the Jazz in Utah.

By: Michael Tristani II/Sunshine Slate

Images: Cameron Browne/NBAE/Getty Images (Copyright 2012 NBAE)

Miami Heat

[Orlando, FL] It has been a turbulent year for superstar center Dwight Howard, currently playing for the Orlando Magic.

Yes, currently. With that March 15 deadline fast approaching, the most wanted man in America could be traded to another team any day now.

Of course, the Magic could hold onto Dwight through the end of the season and end up hoping that he stays (unlikely) and watch him and all of his trade value vanish to another city.

Well now there is another wrinkle, albeit an expected one – Howard was announced as the top vote-getter in the 2012 NBA All-Star Balloting by the NBA. The big guy got an astonishing 1,600,390 votes.

Two Miami Heat players – and also announced All-starters – forward LeBron James (1,360,680 votes) and guard Dwyane Wade (1,334,223 votes) weren’t far behind.

Dwight Howard‘s start in the 2012 NBA All-Star Game will be his fifth consecutive and his sixth appearance in the NBA All-Star Game overall.

Photo: NBA

Dwyane Wade will play alongside Dwight Howard

HOWARD THE DUNK

Of course, that feather in his professional basketball cap only increases Howard’s market value. Making this all even more interesting is that the All-Star game takes place in Orlando on Feb. 26 at the team’s brand new Amway Center – otherwise known as the House That Dwight Howard Built.

Now D-12 can tear that place down with a monstrous dunk and hoist a giant-sized middle finger to the Magic’s die-hard fans who have supported him throughout his entire NBA career.

Howard is upset with the team’s management and ownership, who has repeatedly dropped the ball in efforts to build a championship line-up around Howard’s freakishly unique talents.

Howard is not mad at the fans, it should be noted. But that hasn’t stopped the smattering of boos from reaching Howard’s ears during home games, especially when he misses free throws (which is quite often).

Cleveland Cavaliers fans went through the same thing when LeBron James jumped ship and headed for the Miami Heat in an over-publicized signing with South Florida’s squad. And of course, many Magic fans still remember the Shaquille O’Neal debacle that saw the original Big Fella bolt town for the Los Angeles Lakers, leaving the team in shambles and without hope.

That is until Dwight Howard came along. But now he is leaving too, possibly to the same Lakers that rode Shaq’s back to multiple championships.

Maybe the Orlando and Cleveland fans can start a support group.

BACK TO THE ALL-STAR GAME

The 2012 NBA All-Star Game will air live at 8 p.m. ET on TNT in the U.S. The game will be broadcast in more than 40 different languages and shown in more than 200 countries and territories.

Meet your starting line-ups (coaches have yet to be determined):

Eastern Conference: forwards Carmelo Anthony (New York) and LeBron James (Miami); center Dwight Howard (Orlando); guards Derrick Rose (Chicago) and Dwyane Wade (Miami).

Western Conference: forwards Blake Griffin (L.A. Clippers) and Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City); center Andrew Bynum (L.A. Lakers); guards Kobe Bryant (L.A. Lakers) and Chris Paul (L.A. Clippers).

As you can see, the two Los Angeles teams dominate the Western Conference starters.

2012 NBA ALL-STAR BALLOTING PRESENTED BY SPRINT FINAL VOTE COUNTS

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Forwards: LeBron James (Mia) 1,360,680; Carmelo Anthony (NYK) 1,041,290; Amar’e Stoudemire (NYK) 383,734; Kevin Garnett (Bos) 367,914; Chris Bosh (Mia) 324,605; Luol Deng (Chi) 276,205; Paul Pierce (Bos) 215,020; Carlos Boozer (Chi) 175,828; Andrea Bargnani (Tor) 152,362; Josh Smith (Atl) 119,638.

Guards: Derrick Rose (Chi) 1,514,723; Dwyane Wade (Mia) 1,334,223; Rajon Rondo (Bos) 547,110; Ray Allen (Bos) 382,147; Deron Williams (NJN) 208,697; Jose Calderon (Tor) 132,167; Richard Hamilton (Chi) 111,368; John Wall (Was) 96,606; Kyrie Irving (Cle) 96,346; Joe Johnson (Atl) 66,145.

Centers: Dwight Howard (Orl) 1,600,390; Joakim Noah (Chi) 236,497; Tyson Chandler (NYK) 163,077; Joel Anthony (Mia) 101,307; JaVale McGee (Was) 63,765; Al Horford (Atl) 50,396.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Forwards: Kevin Durant (OKC) 1,345,566; Blake Griffin (LAC) 876,451; Pau Gasol (LAL) 470,353; Dirk Nowitzki (Dal) 468,435; Kevin Love (Min) 373,880; LaMarcus Aldridge (Por) 279,500; Tim Duncan (SA) 185,069; Lamar Odom (Dal) 142,830; Danilo Gallinari (Den) 110,245; Rudy Gay (Mem) 95,228.

Guards: Kobe Bryant (LAL) 1,555,479; Chris Paul (LAC) 1,138,743; Ricky Rubio (Min) 397,456; Steve Nash (Pho) 276,268; Russell Westbrook (OKC) 262,186; Kyle Lowry (Hou) 185,584; Monta Ellis (GS) 156,603; Chauncey Billups (LAC) 120,961; Jason Kidd (Dal) 114,924; Manu Ginobili (SA) 111,273.

Centers: Andrew Bynum (LAL) 1,051,945; DeAndre Jordan (LAC) 322,056; Marc Gasol (Mem) 285,525; Nenê (Den) 207,102; Marcin Gortat (Pho) 136,168; Kendrick Perkins (OKC) 99,811.

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

Lead photo: Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images

Dwight Howard

[Miami, FL] As the Miami Heat were coming off of a blowout win against the San Antonio Spurs, LeBron James & Co. were ready to give much of the same to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The hometown theme Thursday night was “Back In Black,” as the Heat would be wearing their rare blacked-out jerseys. Miami would still be without Dwyane Wade, who missed his second straight game with a sprained right ankle, his fifth game missed because of injury this year.

That left room for the Heat’s role players had to step up, and they did.

In the first quarter, the action was close – every time it looked like Miami was going to make a run, the Lakers would come back. LeBron James and Shane Battier played great ball in the quarter, scoring almost half of the Heat’s points to start the game.

Then a sight rarer than black jerseys: center Eddy Curry, who entered the game with about two minutes left. The big guy – who had shed 65 pounds working toward his redeployment – hadn’t played in a game in 2 years.

“He gave us good minutes, good energy,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said during a televised in-game interview. “He’s done a lot to get to this point. We’re all very proud of him.”

At the end of the first, the score was Miami Heat 25, LA Lakers 20.

Miami simply ran away with the game in the second quarter. The Heat was certainly on as super-subs Mike Miller, Battier and Norris Cole played exceptionally well, scoring the majority of the points in the quarter. And let’s not forget The King‘s 7 points.

At halftime the score was Heat 52, Lakers 37.

Photo: Miami Heat

Back In Black: Shane Battier had a big night alongside LeBron James

It didn’t get any better for the Lakers in the third quarter, going down by as much as 21. James and Chris Bosh scored most of the points in the quarter. The crowd was going wild as LeBron was making spectacular play after spectacular play throughout. At the end of the third the score was Heat 77, Lakers 56.

With the rout officially on, Miami cleared the bench to give its starters some rest (important in the lockout-shortened and compacted season).

Your final score was Heat 98, Lakers 87.

Simply put, LeBron James played amazing basketball, pouring in 31 Points and even blocking three shots. His effort overshadowed West Coast rival Kobe Bryant who had a rough shooting night and only managed 24 points.

“It’s never been between me and Kobe, said James about the superstar rivalry. “I’ve been in this league long enough that I don’t have to prove anything to Kobe, and he doesn’t have to prove anything to me.”

After-shocks:

• Miami Heat moved to 5-0 this season without Dwyane Wade in the line-up. Hmmmmm …
• Shane Battier played a crucial role, netting 11 points (he was 3 out of 7 for his three-point attempts)
• The Heat shot 50% from the three spot, making nine shots
• Like the Back In Black jerseys? Get them here

By: Michael Tristani II/Sunshine Slate

Image: Miami Heat “Back In Black Night” jerseys

LeBron James – Miami Heat

By: Michael Tristani II

[Orlando, FL] As the shortened 2011-2012 season grinds on, the possible scenarios for a Dwight Howard exit from the Orlando Magic locker room become clearer and clearer. At least to some sportswriters.

Bleacher Report‘s Ryan Rudnansky has D-12′s future down to two plays, saying that, “In my mind, if the Nets don’t trade for Howard before the March 15 deadline, the Mavericks will land Howard in free agency.”

His analysis reveals that the Dallas Mavericks are in a great position, especially when you include the fact that they are the defending champs, which always looks good to players trying to trade-up to a ring team. Plus the Mavs are stocking up players for a “big trade,” says the site.

But there is not a consensus on Howard’s future, even at the same web address.

Another Bleacher Report writer looks into the possibility of Dwight going to the Philadelphia 76ers, but a lot of things have to fall into place before that could actually happen. Not likely, but possible.

And then there are those damn Los Angeles Lakers, who always seem to end up with the best players no matter what. The team is definitely on Dwight’s list of preferred destinations and they have two championship-level players (Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum) that Orlando could plug into the giant hole left by Superman‘s exit.

Complicating matters is that Bynum is having a fabulous season, despite a history of knee problems and Gasol is started to show his age. Also, Kobe Bryant is still upset about the loss of Lamar Odom, which he professed publicly. He’s also dealing with a new coach and a new living arrangement (his wife filed for divorce).

And right now the team is 9-5 after losing to in-town rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, which seem to be getting all of the press these days thanks to the arrival of Chris Paul.

Maybe Kobe wants to flee Los Angeles for like-weathered Central Florida and take on the challenge of steering the Orlando Magic to a championship. Magic fans could only hope.

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

Image: Lance Turner/latuphoto.com/Sunshine Slate Images

Dwight Howard