Lakers & Magic secure series wins

The Los Angeles Lakers completed a 4-0 series sweep against Denver to reach the second round of the NBA play-offs.

Kobe Bryant scored 31 points and Pau Gasol added 21 to help the Lakers seal a Western Conference semi-finals berth.

Orlando sealed a 4-1 series win over Toronto to reach the second round for the first time since 1996.

Dwight Howard scored 21 points and had 21 rebounds to help guide the Magic to a 102-92 game-five victory the Raptors.

"It's just an unbelievable feeling," said Howard. "We did something that hasn't been done here in a while."

Orlando will play the winner of the Detroit Pistons-Philadelphia 76ers series, which is currently tied at 2-2.

Pat Riley has stepped down as head coach of the Miami Heat after a league-worst 15-67 season.

Long-time assistant Erik Spoelstra, 37, will take over, becoming the youngest head coach in the NBA.

"I believe Erik is one of the most talented young coaches in a long time," his mentor told a news conference.

Riley coached the Lakers to four NBA titles, led the New York Knicks to the NBA Finals and steered the Heat to the 2006 crown.