LeBron outguns Kobe as Heat burn Lakers Thu Jan 19, 2012 11:23pm EST By Simon Evans MIAMI (Reuters) - LeBron James shrugged off flu to deliver a game-winning 31 points as the Miami Heat beat Kobe Bryant and the L.A. Lakers 98-87 in the clash of the NBA's two biggest names on Thursday. The Heat, missing injured guard Dwyane Wade, were on top from the first quarter and never looked in danger after establishing a 52-37 lead by half-time. James, whose involvement was in doubt until shortly before tip-off, ended the game with eight rebounds and eight assists. Bryant came into the game averaging a league-leading 30.8 points, the only player more prolific than James' 29.8, but was limited by the Miami defense for large stretches, ending with 24 points. Spaniard Pau Gasol top-scored for the Lakers with 26 points. James now has a 10-2 record in head-to-head games against Bryant. The Heat lost three straight games on the road before returning home and beating the San Antonio Spurs 120-98 on Tuesday.