Kobe Bryant delivered another masterclass to guide the Los Angeles Lakers to a 109-98 victory over the Utah Jazz in Game One of their Western Conference semi-final.

The stand-out player at a capacity Staples Center, Bryant scored 38 points as the Lakers overcame a spirited second-half fightback by the Jazz to grab a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Urged on by repeated crowd chants of "MVP, MVP," Bryant also contributed seven assists and six rebounds while Spaniard Pau Gasol scored 18 points and forward Lamar Odom 16.

Although Utah center Mehmet Okur, with 21 points, and forward Carlos Boozer, with 15, helped the visitors close to within four points with 4.31 remaining, the Lakers held on for victory.

Reuters