(CNN)  -- LeBron James led the much-vaunted Miami Heat to a morale-boosting Christmas Day victory over two-time defending NBA champions Los Angeles Lakers. James notched 27 points with 10 assists and 11 rebounds for the 31st triple-double of his career in the 96-80 win in the heavyweight clash on the Lakers' home court. Chris Bosh added 24 points and 13 rebounds for the Heat and Dwyane Wade chipped in 18 points despite a knee problem. Would you pay $500,000 to attend LeBron's birthday bash ? It was another chastening experience for the slumping Lakers and their talisman Kobe Bryant, after a 19-point home reverse to the Milwaukee Bucks four days previously.
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Miami Heat beat two-time defending champions Los Angeles Lakers 96-80
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LeBron James leads Heat with 31st triple-double of his career
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Kobe Bryant restricted to 17 points for disappointing Lakers
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It was the first meeting between the two teams since James, Wade and Bosh joined up with @placeholder, making them one of the favorites for the NBA championship.