Lakers vs. Heat: What to watch on the second night of back-to-back

LOS ANGELES — The Lakers returned to the win column Sunday behind another dominant performance from Luka Dončić. Keeping that momentum will require a quick turnaround and a cleaner performance.

The Lakers (5-2) host the Miami Heat (2-4) on Monday at Crypto.com Arena, completing a back-to-back after their 131-125 win over Toronto on Sunday.

Miami arrives with two consecutive wins after opening the season 0-4. In their latest outing Friday, the Heat beat the Pacers 145-125 behind a 31-18-10 triple-double night from Giannis Antetokounmpo. 

Bam Adebayo added 27 points, while Klay Thompson scored 25 and made seven 3-pointers. 

Here are three things to watch in Game 8 of 82.

Clean up the turnovers

The Lakers’ offense has continued to produce despite a recurring problem with ball security.

After committing 22 turnovers in Friday’s loss at Golden State, Los Angeles had a season-high 24 against Toronto. 

The Lakers shot well enough to survive Sunday, but their mistakes left opportunities for the Raptors to stay within reach.

Against Miami, those possessions could become particularly costly. Turnovers that allow Antetokounmpo to attack before the defense gets organized would put additional pressure on a team playing its second game in two nights.

Protect the paint against Miami’s frontcourt

Antetokounmpo and Adebayo present a demanding assignment for Walker Kessler and the Lakers’ help defenders.

Kessler finished Sunday with 16 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks. Monday’s challenge will require support before Miami reaches the rim, with the Lakers needing to slow Antetokounmpo’s drives without allowing Adebayo easy opportunities around the basket.

That starts with transition defense and early positioning. If the Lakers are late getting matched up, Kessler could be forced to choose between challenging the ballhandler and staying connected to another interior threat.

Take advantage of Miami’s perimeter defense

The Heat’s defense has offered opponents opportunities from beyond the arc.

Through six games, Miami is tied with Phoenix for the NBA’s most opponent 3-pointers made per game at 17.0. Opponents are shooting 40.5% from deep against the Heat, the league’s second-highest mark, according to NBA.com’s opponent statistics.

That creates an opening for a Lakers team coming off a strong shooting performance. Dončić made eight of the Lakers' 18 3-pointers against Toronto while shooting a season-high 48.6% from deep.

Maintaining that ball movement during Dončić’s rest periods could also help the Lakers sustain their offense without requiring another massive scoring night from their leading scorer.