LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers have won Game 1 of the NBA finals, beating the Orlando Magic 100-75 behind a dominant performance from Kobe Bryant.
Bryant had 40 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, while Pau Gasol scored 16 points Thursday night. Lamar Odom finished with 11 points and 14 rebounds for the Lakers, who host Game 2 on Sunday.
The Lakers are seeking a 15th NBA title and coach Phil Jackson is going for his 10th, which would move him past Red Auerbach for most all-time.
Mickael Pietrus scored 14 and Hedo Turkoglu had 13 for the Magic, but All-Stars Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis both struggled and Orlando shot only 29.9 percent from the field.
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