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Lakers ready for Nuggets in Game Two

Apr 23, 2008 - 2:11 PM Denver at LA Lakers 10:30 pm EDT Western Conference first round Lakers lead, 1-0

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) - The Los Angeles Lakers had little trouble seizing the advantage in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

The top-seeded Lakers try to take a two-games-to-none lead on Wednesday when they host the eighth-seeded Denver Nuggets in Game Two of the best-of-seven series.

Pau Gasol recorded postseason career highs of 36 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists as the Lakers defeated the Nuggets, 128-114, in Game One on Sunday.

The victory was Gasol's first in the playoffs after he was held winless during 12 postseason games with the Memphis Grizzlies, who traded the 7-foot center to Los Angeles on February 1.

"It feels amazing," Gasol said. "I definitely had a blast out there. It was a great atmosphere, and the fans were outstanding as always. I'm extremely happy with the win and I hope there are many more to come."

Kobe Bryant scored 32 points for the Lakers, who are attempting to win their first playoff series since 2004.

Despite the win, Bryant believes his team can improve their play in Game Two.

"We played good enough to win the game, but I don't think we are completely pleased with the way we played," Bryant said. "There are a lot of positive things to take away from it, and I think (fending the Nuggets off) was one of them."

Denver, which has been eliminated in the first round the past four seasons, was led by Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson, who each finished with 30 points.

However, Iverson wasn't around to hear the final buzzer as he was ejected after picking up two technical fouls with 2:10 remaining in the fourth quarter.

"Obviously, I thought I got fouled on a hand-check (a play earlier), and I felt (the referee) was right there on that play and he didn't make the call," Iverson said. "I was frustrated, but I deserved to be thrown out."