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July 5, 2008 7:29:30 PM CDT

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Kobe, Lakers Advance to Western Finals

Posted May 17, 08 3:38 AM CDT in Sports    Most Covered

(Newser) – The Los Angeles Lakers reached the NBA's Western Conference finals for the first time in four years by beating the Utah Jazz 108-105 on Friday. Kobe Bryant scored 34 points for LA, which held off a furious rally by the Jazz to clinch the series 4-2. Los Angeles plays the winner of the San Antonio-New Orleans series to be decided Monday.

The Jazz trailed by 19 points at halftime and 16 at the end of the third quarter, but hit a flurry of 3-pointers to get within two points in the final minute. The Jazz had a chance to tie it at the end, but Mehmet Okur and Deron Williams missed 3-pointers in the closing seconds.

Source Associated Press

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Utah Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko (47) keeps Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol, from interfering with Utah Jazz forward Carlos Boozer (5) on Friday, May 16, 2008, in Salt Lake City.   (AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac)
Utah Jazz guard Deron Williams (8) scores on Lakers forward Pau Gasol during the fourth quarter of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals Friday, May 16, 2008, in Salt Lake City.   (AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) works the ball up court against the Utah Jazz in the fourth quarter of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinal Friday, May 16, 2008, in Salt Lake City.   (AP Photo/Steve C. Wilson)
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NBA  • Los Angeles Lakers  • Kobe Bryant  • Utah Jazz  • 2008 NBA playoffs  • Deron Williams  • Mehmet Okur


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