James has an extra day to prepare for Game 5

An extra day off ahead of the NBA Finals Game 5 on Friday meansmore time for 16-time All-Star LeBron James to do what he loves best: prepare.

After putting up 28 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists to extend the Los Angeles Lakers’ lead over theMiami Heat to 3-1 in the NBA Finals on Tuesday, James said he relishes time spent fine-tuning his game — even under the pressure of a championship series.

“I’m excited about our meeting watching film and breaking that down and seeing things that we can do better,” James, 35, told reporters after the 102-96win.

“Seeing things that we did dowell. Thinking about the adjustments that they possibly or will do, because I know (Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra) going into Game 5.

“That’s the best part about it. It’s a chessmatch.”

James has plenty of talent to rely on for his 54th NBA Finals game, including 27-year- old Anthony Davis, who has shined throughout the best-of-seven series, averaging 25.8 points per game and emerging as a true contender for theMVP title.

“His ability to play one throughfive, guardanybody on the floor, take the challenge, not only guard on the perimeter, continue to protect the paint. Guards drive on him. It’s hard to score on him,” said James.

TheHeat could use a couple days off from a health perspective. It remains unclear — doubtful is probably the best word — if point guard Goran Dragic can play.

KINGS HIRE GENTRY AS ASSOCIATE HEAD COACH» The Sacramento Kings named Alvin Gentry as their associate head coach. Gentry, 65, brings more than 35 years of coaching experience to coach Luke Walton’s staff.

Gentry was the head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans for the past five seasons. He was fired in August after the Pelicans missed the playoffs for the fourth time in his tenure. Gentry served as aWarriors assistant for a season at the same time Walton was an assistant under first-year head coach Steve Kerr.