Lakers take 1-0 series lead with 38 from Kobe

NBA MVP Kobe Bryant stamped his undoubted class on proceedings as he helped the LA Lakers take a 1-0 series lead in their Western Conference showdown with the Utah Jazz.

Bryant scored a game high 38 points as he made a franchise playoff-record 21 foul shots to steer the Lakers to a 109-98 win in the opening game of this best-of-seven series on Sunday.

Game 2 will be played Wednesday night again at the Staples Center before the series heads to Utah for Games 3 and 4.

The Lakers never really looked like being troubled by the Jazz who have floundered on the road this season.

LA took a 54-41 halftime lead on the back of some sharp shooting Bryant in the first half and quickly raced out to 68-49 lead early in the third before the Jazz went on a 15-3 run to give themselves some false hope.

As expected, the Boston Celtics had little trouble in disposing of the Atlanta Hawks in Game 7 of their first round playoff series decider posting a comprehensive 99-65 victory.

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