"LeBron owns Pat Riley"- Lakers fans go berserk after winning revenge game against Heat despite 14-pt deficit

LeBron James' heroics allowed the Los Angeles Lakers to erase a 14-point deficit against the Miami Heat en route to an emphatic win (117-108) on Wednesday night.

Fans were elated and quick to make their feelings known on X (formerly know as Twitter).

"LeBron owns Pat Riley" - Said one fan

"At 40 years old he's still expected to carry his team every night to Chips, unlike Kobe, Timmy, MJ, Kareem and other superstars." - Said another fan

"ALL HAIL KING JAMES" - Replied another fan

"His shooting splits since he turned 40 he’s been insane dawg" - Commented another fan

"Miami revenge game" - Said another fan

"That 7-0 run to close the deal on his own, was just nuts man" - Replied another fan

After being on the receiving end of a 41-point blowout loss (134-93) in early December, LeBron James and co. were fired up to avenge their ignominious loss against a Heat team in flux.

The Lakers trailed by 14 points(64-50) with 2:12 left in the second quarter before battling back in the third quarter. The Lakers eventually took the lead (88-87) with 10:47 left in the fourth quarter.

The 40-year-old has shown this season that he's just as potent an offensive threat as any in the league when he decides to be. In the fourth quarter, LeBron rolled back the years, scoring nine of his 22 points. In one stretch late in the fourth, he showed off his shooting prowess, peeling off seven straight points to put the result beyond doubt.

Does LeBron James "own" Pat Riley? Lakers superstar's record against Miami Heat explored

The apex of LeBron James' legendary career coincided with his tenure under Pat Riley for the Miami Heat (2010-2014). Although the two luminaries went through an acrimonious fallout eventually sending LeBron James back to Cleveland, the two have been respectful ever since.

LeBron James' career statistics against the Miami Heat paint an illuminating picture.

In his career, he holds a 25-22 record against the Pat Riley-led franchise and a 4-2 record in the playoffs. James prevailed in the 2020 NBA Finals against Miami despite a spirited display from Jimmy Butler.

An epitome of consistency, LeBron James' career stats against the Heat closely mirror his career averages. In 47 games, he has averaged 27.6 Points, 6.7 rebounds and 7 assists per game.

Tensions between the two have thawed since LeBron James' exit a decade back and Riley was complimentary of his former star when questioned in 2023.

"For LeBron to be able to play during this era, from 2003 to now, during this period, it just shows just how great he is as a player," Said Pat Riley