All-Stars Bryant, Bynum lift Lakers over Nuggets in Game 1

Los Angeles, CA, United States (AHN Sports) – Kobe Bryant fired 31 points and Andrew Bynum swatted a postseason record 10 shots in recording a triple-double as the Los Angeles Lakers cruised to an easy 103-88 victory against the Denver Nuggets in Game 1 of a Western Conference opening-round series Sunday at Staples Center.

The Lakers easily gained 1-0 advantage in their best-of-seven first-round series with the Nuggets, leaning behind Bryant’s offensive firepower, Bynum and Gasol’s intimidating presence inside and unexpected help from their role players

Bryant shot 11-for-24 from the field and 9-for-11 from the free-throw line in another 30-point postseason outing while Bynum tallied 10 points, 10 blocks and 10 boards to become the first Laker in 21 years to record a triple-double in the playoffs.

Gasol just missed a triple-double with 13 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists and Ramon Sessions had a solid postseason debut with 14 points and 5 dimes.

The production of Devin Ebanks (12 points and 5 boards), Jordan Hill (10 points and 10 boards, and Steve Blake (9 points 3-for-6 from three-point area) also proved to be key factors for the Lakers in the game.

Danilo Gallinari had a team-high 19 points while Andre Miller still played like an ageless postseason stud with 12 points, 8 boards, and 7 dimes. The Nuggets shot .356 percent against the Lakers’ tight interior defense.

The Lakers, who shot .500 percent on the floor, built a 13-point lead, 27-14, at the end of the first quarter and the purple-and-gold never looked back in the game.

Game 2 of the series is scheduled Tuesday 9:30 pm at Staples Center.

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