The surface of $Li[Ni_{0.8}Co_{0.15}Al_{0.05}]O_2$ cathode particle was modified by lanthanum based oxide to improve electrochemical property and thermal stability. The XRD pattern of surface layer was indexed with that of $La_4NiLiO_8$. The discharge capacity of modified electrode was higher than that of pristine sample, specially at fast charge-discharge rate and high cut-off voltage. In the DSC profile of the charged sample, the generation of heat by exothermic reaction was decreased by surface modification. Such enhancement may by attributed to the presence of stable lanthanum based oxide, which effectively suppressd the reaction between electrode and electrolyte on the surface of $Li[Ni_{0.8}Co_{0.15}Al_{0.05}]O_2$ electrode.