Lakers hold off Rockets to level semifinal series

LOS ANGELES: Kobe Bryant scored a game-high 40 points to help the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets 111-98 on Wednesday and level their NBA Western Conference semifinal series at 1-1.

Stung by their surprise 100-92 home-court loss on Monday, the top-seeded Lakers shrugged off a spirited Rockets display in the second quarter with Bryant the top player of the night in a heated contest.

Spanish forward Pau Gasol contributed 22 points and 14 rebounds while veteran guard Derek Fisher weighed in with 12 points as the Lakers took control after half-time at a packed Staples Center.