Inspired Bryant leads Lakers past Spurs

The Los Angeles Lakers reached the NBA finals for the first time since 2004 by mounting a dramatic fight-back to beat the San Antonio Spurs 100-92 in Game Five on Thursday. Kobe Bryant orchestrated the recovery with a towering display as the Lakers...

The Los Angeles Lakers reached the NBA finals for the first time since 2004 by mounting a dramatic fight-back to beat the San Antonio Spurs 100-92 in Game Five on Thursday.

Kobe Bryant orchestrated the recovery with a towering display as the Lakers came from 17 points behind early in the second half to clinch the best-of-seven Western Conference finals 4-1.

The All-Star guard, the NBA's Most Valuable Player, top-scored with 39 points as Los Angeles won their eighth consecutive home play-off game this post-season.

Bryant also registered three rebounds and three assists while forward Lamar Odom contributed 13 points and Spanish centre Pau Gasol 12 along with 19 rebounds.

Spurs guard Tony Parker led the way with 23 points for the defending champions who won four NBA titles in the last nine years.

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