To say LeBron James is on fire is an understatement.
The reigning and three-time NBA MVP is shooting 71.4 percent from the field in his last five games and will lead the Miami Heat into the finale of a five- game homestand Tuesday versus the Portland Trail Blazers.
James has set a franchise record with five straight games with at least 30 points and 60 percent shooting from the floor. He joined Hall of Famers Adrian Dantley and Moses Malone as the only NBA players to score that many points and shoot at least 60 percent five straight times.
No player in NBA history has accomplished the feat in six straight games.
"I go out and just play my game. I take the shots that are there," James said after Sunday's 107-97 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. "If a guy's up on me I try to drive, a guy backs up I shoot. However the game is played I try to take its course. Offensively I'm just comfortable. I'm confident in my ability and the best thing about it is my teammates allow me to do that."
James had 32 points and Dwyane Wade recorded 30 versus the Lakers, while Chris Bosh posted a double-double with 12 points and 11 boards for the Heat, who have won five straight and 10 of 12 games. Miami also has ripped off seven straight wins at home and is 22-3 in south Florida.
"We're happy that we're able to go out and play good ball no matter who it's against," James said. "We understand that we have another really good team coming into our building on Tuesday in Portland and we look forward to that one, too."
The Blazers held James to 15 points in a 92-90 victory on Jan. 10 this season from the Rose Garden. Portland has won seven of the past 10 meetings with Miami, and the last four encounters in south Florida.
After Tuesday's game with Portland, the Heat will embark on a four-game road swing against Oklahoma City, Atlanta, Chicago and Philadelphia. Miami, which is 18-5 against the West this season, is just one win away from 1,000 in team history, going 999-969 (.508).
Portland will continue its six-game road trip on the shores of Biscayne Bay and is just 1-3 on the trek.
The Blazers were last in action during a 110-104 setback to the lowly Orlando magic, who halted a 12-game losing streak in the process. All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge saw his career-best seven consecutive double-doubles streak come to an end, finishing with 25 points and six rebounds. Aldridge, though, has made at least 11 field goals in four straight games.
Nicolas Batum contributed 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists for Portland, which has dropped three in a row and four of six games.
"I thought the Magic played harder, they outplayed us at both ends," said Portland coach Terry Stotts. "They deserved to win, they executed well."
Stotts' club will close out the sojourn at New Orleans Wednesday and is only 8-18 away from the Pacific Northwest.
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