5* LAKERS/HEAT NBA EAST/WEST GAME OF THE WEEK

LA Lakers vs. Miami, 01/19/2012 20:00 EDT, Score: 87 - 98

Point Spread: +5½/-105 LA Lakers

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Loss

The Miami Heat will be without Dwayne Wade in this game, and there's a possibility LeBron James could be forced to sit out this game with the flu. I wouldn't be surprised at all if James played this game, despite being listed as questionable, but you have to wonder if he will have enough in the tank to carry this Heat team against the Lakers.

The Lakers come into this game off a thrilling 73-70 win over the Mavericks on Monday. The impressive part about that win is the Lakers won despite a horrible shooting performance from Kobe Bryant, who had just 14 points on 7 of 22 shooting. Those kinds of nights don't happen often for Kobe, and I expect him to put on a show in this game.

Los Angeles has the inside presence with Bynum and Gasol that will force the Heat to rely on their jump shots. That is exactly what you have to do to beat this team.

Los Angeles is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a road underdog of 5.0-10.5, while the Heat are just 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. BET THE LAKERS!