Lakers defeats Nuggets for 3-2 lead in NBA Western Conference finals

Lakers defeats Nuggets for 3-2 lead in NBA Western Conference finals

Kobe Bryant (L) of the Los Angeles Lakers drives the ball during Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference final basketball playoff game against Denver Nuggets in Los Angeles, the United States, May 27, 2009.

WASHINGTON, May 27 -- The Los Angeles Lakers outclassed the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter for a 103-94 hard fought win in the game five of the Western Conference finals, earning the top seeds a 3-2 lead in the series.

All-Star guard Kobe Bryant scored 22 points and reserve forward Lamar Odom contributed 19, along with 14 rebounds, as the Lakers maintained home court advantage.

The best-of-seven series shifts to Denver for Friday's Game Six.

Carmelo Anthony poured in a game-high 31 points for the Nuggets, who led 73-66 late in the third quarter before the Lakers finally took control of the match.

Pau Gasol (front) of the Los Angeles Lakers vies for the ball during Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference final basketball playoff game against Denver Nuggets in Los Angeles, the United States, May 27, 2009.

Carmelo Anthony (R) of the Denver Nuggets shoots the ball during Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference final basketball playoff game against the Los Angeles Lakers in Los Angeles, the United States, May 27, 2009.

Kenyon Martin of Denver Nuggets (R) tries to dunk the ball over Pau Gasol of the Los Angeles Lakers during Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference final basketball playoff game in Los Angeles, the United States, May 27, 2009

Kobe Bryant (L) of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball during Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference final basketball playoff game against Denver Nuggets in Los Angeles, the United States, May 27, 2009.
(Xinhua)