• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Bryant, Lakers face off vs. Wade, Heat

Dec 25, 2006 - 2:56 PM LA Lakers (18-9) at Miami (12-14) 2:30 pm EST

MIAMI (Ticker) -- With no real second options on the court lately, superstars Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade will have the whole court to showcase their talents.

The Los Angeles Lakers will try to push their winning streak to three games when they visit the Miami Heat in the NBA's showcase matchup Monday.

Both franchises have faced off in each of the previous two seasons on Christmas Day with the Heat winning both, including a 97-92 triumph here last year.

"For us (the Lakers), it's just about winning the game," Bryant said. "I think people are intrigued by the matchup of myself and Wade, which is, I think, what a lot of people are excited about."

In his last five meetings against the Heat, Bryant is averaging 33.8 points per game compared to Wade's 23.6. However, Miami is 3-2 over that span.

Bryant had 21 points and 11 assists to lead six players in double figures as Los Angeles posted a 99-95 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Friday.

The Lakers are 2-1 on their current six-game East Coast swing, but just 3-3 without forward Lamar Odom, who suffered a sprained right knee on December 12.

Jason Kapono scored a career-high 27 points and Wade chipped in 18, eight rebounds and four blocks for Miami in Saturday's 105-92 triumph over the Golden State Warriors.

The Heat, who are still without injured All-Star Shaquille O'Neal, have won three of their last four contests overall.