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LOS ANGELES: Kobe Bryant accepted his Most Valuable Player trophy
Wednesday, then poured in 34 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers
to a 120-110 victory over Utah Jazz in the National Basketball
Association (NBA) playoffs.
Lamar Odom added 19 points and 16 rebounds as
the Lakers took a 2-0 lead over the Jazz in their best-of-seven
Western Conference second-round series.
The Lakers remained unbeaten this postseason as
they look ahead to Game 3 in Salt Lake City on Friday.
Before tip-off, NBA Commissioner David Stern
presented Bryant with the first MVP trophy of his 12-year career.
Bryant briefly addressed the crowd, receiving a
massive ovation before he was mobbed by teammates.
“I’m at a loss for words, I don’t know
what to say,” Bryant told the adoring throng. “I love you guys
so much. We’re going to play until June. Let’s get this party
started.”
Bryant celebrated his and the team’s
turnaround with a sparkling performance that also included eight
rebounds and six assists.
-- AFP
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