Bryant shines in Lakers victory

Bryant is chasing his fourth NBA crown with the Lakers

Kobe Bryant poured in 49 points as the Los Angeles Lakers beat Denver 122-107 to take a 2-0 lead in their NBA Western Conference quarter-final series.

The All Star guard also contributed 10 assists and four rebounds as the Lakers pulled away in the final quarter.

Bryant finished just one point short of his play-offs best of 50 against the Phoenix Suns in 2006.

"You get into a groove and when you get hot, the ball just finds you. We took care of business tonight," he said.

Bryant helped the Lakers win three consecutive NBA championships from 2000-2002.

Detroit handed Philadelphia a 105-88 defeat to make it 1-1 in their Eastern Conference quarter-final series.

Richard Hamilton had 20 points, seven rebounds and seven assists to lead the second-seeded Pistons to victory.