NBA Playoffs Odds: Nuggets vs. Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers know they stole one at home the other night. (AP Images)"]

Kobe Bryant scored 40 points, making six free throws in the final 30 seconds, to give the Lakers a 105-103 victory after being outplayed most of the game.

Game 2 is tonight at Staples Center, where the Nuggets have lost 11 consecutive playoff games to the Lakers, including a first-round sweep last season.

Carmelo Anthony had a breakout game with 39 points, going 14 of 20 from the floor, including 4 of 5 from 3-point range, 7 of 8 from the line, with six rebounds and four assists.

The Lakers' big men will be looking to make a stand, something Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum didn't accomplish in Game 1. They were outscored 29-19 by the duo of K-Mart and Nene.

The Lakers enter this one as 5.5-point home favorites.