Lakers Hold Off Jazz for Game One Win

The Jazz were led by Mehmet Okur with 21 points and 19 rebounds.

Photo courtesy: LA Lakers

LOS ANGELES - The Lakers took a first-half lead and held off the Jazz down the stretch on Sunday for a 109-98 Game 1 win at home.

Kobe Bryant scored 24 of his game-high 38 points in the first half as Utah struggled from the floor and the Lakers took a 13-point lead into halftime.

Los Angeles built a 19-point third-quarter lead before the Jazz began to chip away, but Utah could not get closer than four points.

Pau Gasol tallied 18 points, 10 rebounds and five assists for the Lakers, while Lamar Odom added another 16 points and nine rebounds.

The Jazz were led by Mehmet Okur with 21 points and 19 rebounds. Carlos Boozer also added a double-double with 15 points and 14 boards before fouling out in the fourth quarter.

The series continues on Wednesday with Game 2 in Los Angeles. The game will broadcast at 10:30 p.m. ET on TNT.

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