The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 128-99, at Staples Center on Monday night.

The Lakers (33-7) came into Monday's contest knowing they'd once again be without Anthony Davis (back), but that they'd also have the benefit of a returning LeBron James (illness). However, thanks in part to a slow start by James, Los Angeles trailed the Cavaliers (12-28) by a 48-47 margin at halftime. They'd come out a different team following intermission, however, finishing the third quarter with a 14-point advantage and then putting the game away with a 44-point tally in the final 12 minutes. James ultimately picked up the pace and led the with 31 points on 75.0 percent shooting, a season-best figure.

Kevin Love paced the Cavaliers with a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Tristan Thompson generated 17 points, 10 boards, two assists and one steal. Collin Sexton and Darius Garland contributed matching 16-point, four-assist tallies. Cedi Osman furnished 15 points, four rebounds and one assist.

James supplemented his aforementioned scoring tally with eight assists, two rebounds and one steal. Dwight Howard pitched in a 21-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included two assists. Avery Bradley went for 12 points and three rebounds. Kyle Kuzma checked in with 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and one block. Danny Green and Alex Caruso poured in 10 points apiece, with Green also pulling down four rebounds and recording four steals.

The Cavaliers remain in Los Angeles to face the Clippers on Tuesday night, while the Lakers remain home and tangle with the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night.