NBA giants Los Angeles Lakers have edged closer to their record-equalling championship – and the first since 2010 – following a 102-96 victory over Miami Heat in Game 4 of the Playoffs Finals on Tuesday night.

The Lakers are now 3-1 up in the best-of-seven series, and a win on Friday in the two sides’ next encounter will be enough to earn the Lakers the crown, going level with Boston Celtics on the record of 17 NBA titles.

In Tuesday’s Game 4, LeBron James starred – who is looking for his fourth NBA ring – with 28 points for the Lakers, while Anthony Davis' crucial three-pointer saw them edge clear late in the fourth quarter.

"We understand what's at stake," said James in a post-game interview. "The job is not done. Not yet. But they're on the brink."

The last time Lakers were crowned NBA champions was in 2010, led by Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in January this year.