Recap: Lakers Lose A Disappointing Home Game Against Heat in 2024

The Los Angeles Lakers hosted the Miami Heat in their opening game of 2024 as they attempted to get back on track following a difficult end to 2023.

Jimmy Butler and Caleb Martin were absent from the Heat, while D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura were out for the Lakers. The Heat ultimately prevailed, defeating the Lakers 110-96 to drop them below.500 at 17–18.

After making a comeback to the Los Angeles starting lineup, Austin Reaves made an immediate impression by dishing a sweet dish to LeBron James for a layup and then making a midrange shot of his own. Despite this, the Lakers started the game slowly as Kyle Lowry scored five points in a row to give the Heat a 12-point lead going into the first half.

After the timeout, things didn’t get any better as the Lakers were giving the ball away pointlessly. Tyler Herro took advantage of this by scoring six points in a row to give the Heat a double-digit lead.

Not only did the Lakers commit turnovers, but they also showed extreme coldness early in the first quarter. Fortunately, the Heat also had trouble, and entering the second quarter, Los Angeles’ deficit stood at 25–18.

In the midst of the second quarter, Max Christie made his first triple for the Lakers, though Josh Richardson answered for Miami. Otherwise, the ugly basketball game carried over into the second half, with neither team able to muster a point.

Interestingly, Christie was the only Laker with any offensive rhythm at all, scoring five points in a row at one point. Following a quiet first quarter, Anthony Davis also got going inside. Though not particularly nice, the half ended, and the Lakers trailed 53-45 as they entered the locker room.

James started the third quarter with four straight points after scoring just four in the first half. However, the Heat started to heat up from below, which helped them hold onto their lead of about ten.