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Bryant, Wade square off when Lakers host Heat

Jan 11, 2009 - 2:30 PM Miami (19-16) at LA Lakers (29-6) 9:30 p.m. EST

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- Kobe Bryant appears determined to defend his MVP crown.

Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers go for their third straight win on Sunday when they host the Miami Heat.

The 30-year-old guard, Bryant earned his first NBA MVP last season when he ranked second in the league in scoring, averaging 28.3 points per game. He also added 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists as the Lakers advanced to the NBA Finals before losing to the Boston Celtics.

Bryant is poised to duplicate that success this campaign as he ranks third in scoring at 27.2 points per game and has led Los Angeles to the best record in the Western Conference.

The All-Star proved his value on Friday, recording 36 points, 13 assists and seven rebounds and drained the game-winning jumper with three seconds left during the Lakers' 121-119 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

Bryant, who has scored at least 26 points in each of his last 13 games, backed down Jarrett Jack before drilling the shot.

"That's what he does, that's the reason he's Kobe Bryant," Los Angeles center Andrew Bynum said. "Just give him the ball and clear out."

Bryant will have the ball plenty against the Heat, who have an MVP candidate of their own.

Dwyane Wade, the NBA's leading scorer, poured in 41 points and carried the Miami Heat to a come-from-behind win over the struggling Sacramento Kings, 119-115, in overtime at Arco Arena on Friday.