James leads Cavaliers past the Heat, 111-104

Wade scored 36 points but couldn't rally the Heat from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

Mo Williams made five 3-pointers and scored 25 points for the Cavs, while Shaquille O'Neal added 14 in a return to his former home court.

But in the end, it was James leading the way. He scored Cleveland's final eight points over the last 2:42. He finished with seven assists and went 16 for 18 from the free-throw line.

Michael Beasley scored 24 points for the Heat, who lost for only the second time.

James and Wade shared a long embrace just before tip-off, and they joked during a timeout near the end of the first half. They can opt out of their contracts next year, and on Wednesday, Wade said the pair have talked about going to the same team.

James then said he won't discuss free agency with reporters any more until the end of the season. For now, at least, the two good friends entertain as opponents.

Lakers 121, Suns 102 At Los Angeles, Kobe Bryant scored 29 points, and Andrew Bynum had 26 points and 15 rebounds in his return from injury as Los Angeles put the brakes on Phoenix's fast start.

Josh Powell scored 14 points for the defending champions, who won their sixth straight and improved to 7-1 by handing the Suns their second loss of the season.

Los Angeles snapped the Suns' four-game winning streak by countering Phoenix's up-tempo style with defense and the Lakers' own transition game, handily winning an entertaining November match-up between two of the NBA's most impressive teams so far.

Steve Nash had 13 points and five assists for the Suns, who had their worst shooting night of the season. The two-time MVP sat out the final 15-minutes after getting little help from his teammates.

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