Lakers Close Out Series

The Los Angeles Lakers have closed out their second round series against the Utah Jazz by beating them 108-105 in Utah on Friday. The Jazz, who has made the playoffs for two straight seasons, now end their season in the second round. Last year, they made it to the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs and lost in five games. The Lakers outplayed them in Game 6 in Utah for the first three quarters. The Jazz made a late surge to make the game close, but it wasn't enough. The Lakers have now made it to the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2004, when they beat the Minnesota Timberwolves in six games to advance to the NBA Finals. They lost to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals in five games, and have not gotten past the first round since their loss in the NBA Finals. Kobe Bryant led the Lakers in points and assists with 34 points and 6 assists. Deron Williams led the Jazz with 21 points and 14 assists. The Jazz trailed by 19 at halftime and 16 at the end of the third quarter. In the final three minutes of the game, the Jazz began to chip away at the Lakers' double digit lead. Andrei Kirilenko of the Jazz hit two three pointers in the final minute to lead the surge but the Lakers never gave up the lead. The Jazz made their run too little, too late as they head into their offseason. The Lakers will play the winner of the series between the San Antonio Spurs and the New Orleans Hornets, who will play Game 7 on Monday in New Orleans. Will the Lakers defensive rebounding troubles come back to haunt them against the Spurs or Hornets? Are the Lakers capable of taking it all the way and winning the championship?