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.

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