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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, May 30, 2008

NBA PLAYOFFS
Lakers bounce Spurs in five

Photo gallery: NBA Playoffs

By John Nadel
Associated Press

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

The Lakers' Jordan Farmar, left, and Kobe Bryant talk during a break in Game 5 against the Spurs. Los Angeles will play in the NBA Finals starting Thursday.

KEVORK DJANSEZIAN | Associated Press

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TODAY ON TV

Celtics at Pistons, 2:30 p.m. ESPN 22/222

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser
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LOS ANGELES — The Lakers celebrated the Western Conference championship before their adoring fans at Staples Center, but not too hard.

They've got one more goal to reach before the real excitement begins.

Kobe Bryant scored 17 of his 39 points in the fourth quarter, and the Lakers rallied from an early 17-point deficit to beat the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs, 100-92, last night and win the conference finals in five games.

They get a week off before opening the NBA Finals next Thursday night at Boston or Detroit. The Celtics lead the Eastern Conference finals 3-2 with Game 6 tonight in Detroit.

"I think it is a tremendous accomplishment," Bryant said. "I think the West is extremely tough. We're all extremely excited and proud about it. Now, it's time to go on and see if we can't finish it off."

The Lakers are 12-3 in the playoffs, including 8-0 at Staples Center, where they haven't lost in two months. They have won 14 straight home games and 21 of their last 24 postseason games at home.

"My heart's still pumping, that adrenaline is still running from the game," said Lamar Odom, who had 13 points and eight rebounds. "Maybe when I sit down and have something to eat, I'll realize what just happened.