By: Dustin Chapman

Dethroning the defending champion San Antonio Spurs, the Lakers closed out their Western Conference Finals series 4-1 at the Staples Center on Thursday night. The Lakers dominated the second half of the ballgame, as they had all series long, with a 58-44 advantage. League MVP Kobe Bryant led all scorers with 39 on an efficient 16-30 clip, and elevated his play down the stretch to put his team over the top. Pau Gasol struggled on both ends of the floor throughout the majority of the game, but managed to grab 19 rebounds, some big ones coming in the closing minutes.

Additionally, the LA supporting cast rose to the occasion as well. Lamar Odom led the charge with 13 points, eight rebounds, and a level of enthusiasm that he rarely puts on display. Sasha Vujacic and Jordan Farmar provided needed energy off the bench, and combined for 17 points and four steals on 6-13 shooting.

Phil Jackson’s club will anxiously await their NBA Finals opponent, as the Eastern Conference Finals series between Boston and Detroit is still undecided. Game 1 of the Finals will take place on June 5; all games will be aired on ABC.

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