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Either the Los Angeles Lakers wanted it more, or the Denver Nuggets just rolled over and quit; no matter what?the reason or rationale was, one thing is for certain: the Lakers are going to the second round of the Western Conference playoffs, as Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol combined for 52 points, leading Los Angeles to a 107-101 win Monday night at Pepsi Center.? The victory by Los Angeles advances them to the second round, where they will face the winner of the Utah-Houston series – with Utah ahead 3-1 in their best-of-seven series.

Los Angeles shot fairly well as they outscored Denver 32-23 in the first quarter; the Lakers’ Gasol sent his team into halftime ahead 64-54 as he made a layup at the first-half buzzer.? But Denver managed to remain competitive as they took their first lead of the night, 73-71,?on a jumper by Linas Kleiza; however, Los Angeles recovered as they regained the lead, 79-77, going into the fourth quarter.? Denver’s Carmelo Anthony fouled out with 1:19 remaining in the game and Bryant would convert a free throw for a 101-96 lead; after Denver’s Nene made a dunk, Bryant banked home a basket, giving Los?Angelesa 103-98 edge.

The Nuggets’ Marcus Camby made a basket, cutting the Lakers’ lead to 103-101, but Gasol would dunk and Bryant added a pair of free throws with 18 seconds to close the scoring and ensuring the series sweep for the Lakers.? Los Angeles’ high scorer was Bryant with 31 points, 3 treys, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks?but committed 6 turnovers while Gasol scored 21 with 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks; Lamar Odom added 14 with 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and a block.? Denver was led by Smith with 26 points from off the bench, along with 3three-pointers, a rebound, 3 assists and 2 steals while Allen Iverson scored 22 with 2 rebounds and 2 assists; Anthony added 21 with 11 rebounds and 3 assists while?Camby, despite scoring only 3 points, grabbed 17 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and 4 blocks.?

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