Bryant thrilled by conference triumph
Bryant scored 26 of his 39 points in the second half as the Los Angeles Lakers advanced with a 100-92 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in game five of the Western Conference finals on Thursday night.
Pau Gasol collected 12 points and 19 rebounds for the Lakers, who reached the championship series for the first time since 2004, when they lost to the Detroit Pistons.