Kobe Bryant scored 31 points and added seven rebounds and six assists to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 107-101 victory over the Denver Nuggets and into the second round of the NBA play-offs on Monday.
Denver had rallied from a 13-point deficit to close to within two points after three quarters before Bryant took control of the game and scored 14 points in the final five minutes.
The victory ensured a 4-0 sweep for the Lakers.