Lakers Thump Spurs, Take 2-0 Series Lead

Los Angeles clinches No. 2 spot in the Western Conference

(NEWSER) - Most Valuable Player candidate Kobe Bryant had 20 points, five rebounds and five assists before sitting out the fourth quarter, and the Lakers routed the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs 106-85 for their seventh win in eight games. The Lakers (56-25), who clinched the Pacific Division championship Friday, assured themselves of at least a second-place finish in the Western Conference. More»

(NEWSER) - Kobe Bryant, celebrating what is expected to be his first NBA MVP award, did just enough to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to another postseason victory. Bryant had 38 points, six rebounds and seven assists yesterday, as the Lakers made it five straight playoff wins by beating the Utah Jazz 109-98 to begin the second round. Game 2 is Wednesday night in L.A. More»

Season-high 31 points keys 112-108 victory over Mavericks

(NEWSER) - Lamar Odom scored a season-high 31 points, Kobe Bryant added 25 points and 10 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers clinched a playoff berth Friday night with a 112-108 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Pau Gasol had 25 points and seven assists for the Lakers, and Odom grabbed 10 rebounds. More»

His replacement Harris shines against Bucks, Lakers sear Heat

(NEWSER) - Trailing the Spurs by two points with 35 seconds on the clock, the Mavericks benched assister Jason Kidd in favor of shotmaker Jerry Stackhouse, but to no avail. San Antonio went on to win 97-94 after two missed shots by Dirk Nowitzki and one blocked Jason Terry try, the Dallas Morning News reports. In other basketball action: More»

SA keeps it close, despite lack of stars

(NEWSER) - Missing both Tim Duncan and Tony Parker due to ankle injuries, the Spurs still managed to put up a fight against the Lakers, before succumbing, 102-97. Kobe led Los Angeles with 30 points, saving the Lakers from a sluggish start against the Spurs' balanced attack, led by Bruce Bowen's 22 points, just two shy of his career best. More»