Lakers 103 Nuggets 94

Lakers Trevor Ariza falls into the crowd while chasing a loose ball against the Nuggets in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at the Staples Center.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is fouled hard by Nuggets defender Carmelo Anthony late in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at the Staples Center.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Nuggets J.R. Smith is disgusted after a teammates foul on a Laker in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at the Staples Center.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers Lamar Odom makes a basket over Nuggtes Chris Andersen in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at the Staples Center.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Guard Shannon Brown cheers as the Lakers build a commanding lead in the fourth quarter of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at the Staples Center.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Actor Jack Nicholson cheers for the Lakers during Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at the Staples Center.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin appears dejected following a loss to the Lakers in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at the Staples Center.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Kobe Bryant takes in the Lakers victory following Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at the Staples Center.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Actor Zach Efron gets into the excitement of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at the Staples Center.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers teammates Lamar Odom, right, and Luke Walton scream in joy after Odom slams home a basket against the Nuggets late in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at the Staples Center.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers Pau Gasol wants a traveling call against the Nuggets in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at the Staples Center.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers Andrew Bynum blocks the shot of Nuggets Dahntay Jones but is called for a foul in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at the Staples Center.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers coach Phil Jackson whistles to get his team’s attention late in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at the Staples Center.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Nuggets guard Dahntay Jones steals the ball from Lakers guard Kobe Bryant in the first half of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at the Staples Center.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Fans celebrate as Sasha Vujacic hits a last second three point shot to close the first half with a 56-56 tie during Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at the Staples Center.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers Lamar Odom celebrates in front of Nuggets Chris Andersen after scoring a basket in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at the Staples Center.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers Sasha Vujacic hits the floor after hitting a three-point shot against the Nuggets to tie the game at halftime in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at the Staples Center.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers Luke Walton blocks the shot of Nuggets Carmelo Anthony as Pau Gasol helps on defense in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at the Staples Center.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)